mortar
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Mortar is a type of artillery weapon designed to launch explosive projectiles at steep angles, typically over obstacles like walls or hills. It matters because this high-angle firing capability allows it to strike targets that other weapons cannot reach directly, making it effective for military operations in complex terrain.
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United States Army soldiers firing an M120 mortar (round visible in smoke) during the war in Afghanistan
A mortar today is usually a simple, lightweight, man-portable, muzzle-loaded cannon consisting of a smooth-bore (although some models use a rifled barrel) metal tube fixed to a base plate (to spread out the recoil) with a lightweight bipod mount and a sight. Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support with a variety of ammunition. Historically, mortars were heavy siege artillery. Mortars launch explosive shells (technically called bombs) in high arching ballistic trajectories.