A strategic movement towards the rear of the enemy's position is known as what?

A strategic movement towards the rear of the enemy's position is best described as an envelopment. In military tactics, envelopment involves maneuvering forces to surround and isolate the enemy, typically by advancing on their flanks and rear. This type of movement can cause confusion and disarray within the enemy’s ranks while cutting off their lines of retreat and resupply, leading to a more favorable outcome for the attacking force. The goal is to create conditions that force the enemy to fight on multiple fronts or to surrender, as they are unable to adequately respond to threats coming from behind.

In the context of other movements mentioned, a flank attack focuses specifically on attacking the side of an enemy formation but does not necessarily entail a full encirclement or cutting off their retreat. Penetration involves breaking through the enemy’s defensive line aimed at disrupting their formations but does not suggest moving around to their rear. A turning movement, on the other hand, emphasizes a maneuver to get around the enemy's defensive position rather than surrounding them, and while it can also be effective, it does not encapsulate the strategic intent of isolating the enemy as envelopment does.