What term describes an attack that diverts attention from the principal operation?

The term that describes an attack intended to divert attention from the principal operation is "Diversion." In military operations, a diversion is a tactic used to mislead the enemy regarding the true intention or location of an upcoming attack. This can serve to concentrate enemy resources away from the main area of operation, allowing the principal attack to proceed with a greater chance of success. Diversions can involve feigned attacks or limited operations designed to create the appearance of activity in one area while the main force operates elsewhere.

While “Deceive,” “Defeat,” and “Delay” may relate to military tactics and strategies, they do not specifically capture the essence of an operation that focuses on misdirecting the attention of the enemy away from a principal objective, which is the fundamental concept of a diversion.