How do you fight a guerrilla war?

Answer 1

A guerilla war is fought by small groups of fighters (cells) employing hit and run tactics such as ambushes, snipers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in order to catch catch the enemy off guard. By using these methods the guerillas maximises the damage they do to the conventional army while minimising their exposure to attack and risk to themselves, this also causes negative psychological effects for their enemies who will feel constantly exposed to ambushes, snipers and explosives but will be unable to vent their aggression and frustration at guerillas who quickly disappear.

In addition to combat tactics the guerilla must also gain the support of the local population in order to gain local knowledge of supply routes, patrols and the geography of the area as well as safehouses to hide fighters and equipment. Because guerillas don't have access to the military resources their enemies have they must also rely on the population for food and water new recruits and to smuggle weapons and ammunition past checkpoints.

Guerilla wars are generally fought over a long period of time where the combined attrition of soldiers and materiel and the duration of the conflict will erode public and political will to continue.