Encirclement is a military term for the situation when a force or target is isolated and surrounded by enemy forces. The situation is highly dangerous for the encircled force. At the strategic level, it cannot receive supplies or reinforcements, and on the tactical level, the units in the force can be subject to an attack from several sides. Lastly, since the force cannot retreat, unless it is relieved or can break out, it must fight to the death or surrender.
Diagram of the encirclement of ISIS forces in the Second Battle of Tikrit (2015). The blue arrows indicate allied attacks, while the red line is the line of encirclement as of 9 March 2015.
Encirclement of Stalingrad
An encirclement during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)
Shaka kaSenzangakhona, also known as Shaka Zulu and Sigidi kaSenzangakhona, was the king of the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 to 1828. One of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu, he ordered wide-reaching reforms that reorganized the military into a formidable force.
1824 European artist's impression of Shaka with a long throwing assegai and heavy shield. No drawings from life are known.
Large statue representing Shaka (rather obviously based on actor Henry Cele) at the Camden markets in London, England.
A sketch of a Zulu warrior, drawn in 1913.
Shaka's methods reached their high point during the Zulu victory at Isandhlwana. Regimental deployments and lines of the attack showed his classic template at work.
