What is an attack on another's territory called?

An attack on another's territory is termed an incursion, which refers to a brief and often sudden entry into an area or territory with the intent to disrupt, invade or engage in military action. This term conveys the idea of a temporary disturbance rather than a full-scale invasion, which typically implies a more extensive and sustained action aimed at taking control of territory.

Understanding the context of incursions is essential, as they can occur in various scenarios, from military actions to conflicts over borders. In historical and contemporary conflicts, incursions often involve smaller forces advancing into enemy territory for specific objectives such as reconnaissance, sabotage, or to test defenses, thus highlighting their focused and limited nature compared to outright invasions.