What term is used for an attack or feint that draws the enemy's attention away from the principal operation?

The term used for an attack or feint that draws the enemy's attention away from the principal operation is "diversion." This tactic is essential in military strategy, as it helps to mislead the enemy, making them focus on an area or operation that is not the actual main effort. By creating this false impression, friendly forces can conduct their primary mission with reduced resistance, as the enemy’s focus and resources are diverted elsewhere.

In military operations, effective diversions can create opportunities for maneuvering, attacking critical objectives, or gathering intelligence. They are an integral part of operational art, allowing commanders to maintain the initiative and exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses. Diversion tactics can be executed through various means, including artillery fire, fake troop movements, or psychological operations, all aimed at causing confusion and hesitance in the enemy's decision-making processes.