delaying operation; time-buying action
Military term for a tactical operation designed to slow an enemy advance, buying time for friendly forces.
A delaying operation was carried out to slow the enemy advance.
Similar meaning, but 遅延戦術 is a broader term for delaying tactics, not necessarily a formal military operation.
Compound of 遅滞 (delay) and 作戦 (operation). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is a modern military coinage.