Hit-and-run tactics

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Hit-and-run tactics is a tactical doctrine where the purpose of the combat involved is not to seize control of territory, but to inflict damage on a target and immediately exit the area to avoid the enemy's defense and/or retaliation.

These tactics are a cornerstone of irregular warfare like guerrilla warfare, militant resistance movements and terrorism where the enemy typically overmatches the attacking force to the point where sustained combat is to be avoided. However the tactics can also be used as part of more conventional warfare. Examples of the latter include commando or other special forces attacks or sorties from a besieged castle.

Hit-and-run tactics are also used in economics to describe a firm that enters a market to take advantage of abnormal profits and then leaves. These tactics can be seen in a Contestable market. See Cream Skimming as well.