Airstrike
In short
An offensive military operation where aircraft or drones attack targets on the ground or at sea.
In plain words
It is when planes, helicopters, or drones drop bombs or fire missiles at a specific location. These attacks can hit army positions, ships, or buildings.
A simple example
A military drone flies over a battlefield and fires a missile at an enemy tank. This targeted hit is a common type of airstrike.
Why it matters
Airstrikes allow militaries to strike enemies from a distance without risking soldiers on the ground. They are used for both precise tactical hits and large-scale strategic bombing.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse an airstrike with an air raid, which usually refers to a large-scale attack on a civilian area.