Joint Publication Interdiction

Interdiction operations are actions to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy an enemy’s surface capabilities before they can be used effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives. In support of law enforcement, interdiction includes activities conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, intercept, board, detain, or destroy, under lawful authority, vessels,vehicles, aircraft, people, cargo, and money.Joint force commanders (JFCs) integrate andsynchronize operations and employ military forcesand capabilities, as well as nonmilitary resources,across the range of military operations resulting ingreater combat power and operational effectiveness.JFCs arrange symmetrical and asymmetrical actions to take advantage of friendly strengths and enemy vulnerabilities and to preserve freedom of action for future operations. Interdiction can create opportunities for commanders to exploit and should be integrated with other operations of the joint force.