In military operations, what does "support by fire" typically facilitate?

"Support by fire" is a tactical maneuver used in military operations where one unit provides covering fire to enable another unit to maneuver or conduct its mission. This concept primarily facilitates the disruption of enemy activities by suppressing their ability to respond effectively to friendly forces.

When a unit is engaged in support by fire, it typically focuses on neutralizing enemy positions, allowing maneuvering units to advance or reposition with reduced risk from enemy fire. This helps to create a critical moment where the enemy is less able to react, thereby enhancing the chances of success for the unit that is advancing or attempting to seize a target.

While other options such as direct assault, logistical support, or defensive maneuvers can be goals of certain military operations, they do not capture the primary essence of what support by fire aims to achieve. The core function of this tactic is to disrupt enemy operations, giving friendly forces the tactical advantage they need to accomplish their objectives effectively. Thus, the goal aligns closely with disrupting enemy activities, which is why this is identified as the correct answer.