What type of firing alignment involves attacking from the sides of a target?

The type of firing alignment that involves attacking from the sides of a target is known as flanking. This approach offers a tactical advantage by allowing the shooter to engage the target from a position that minimizes their exposure while maximizing the effectiveness of their fire. By attacking from the side, a shooter can exploit the target's vulnerabilities, often catching it off-guard and increasing the likelihood of success. Flanking engagements can disrupt the target's defensive posture and create confusion, making it a favored tactic in various combat scenarios.

Oblique refers to an angled attack rather than a direct approach, while frontal implies an engagement face-to-face with the target, which is less advantageous compared to a flanking maneuver. Enfilade involves firing along the length of a target or formation, which has its own distinct tactical implications but does not specifically focus on side attacks.