Which classification involves aiming at the target's lateral sides?

The classification that involves aiming at the target's lateral sides is flanking fire. Flanking fire is when a weapon system is employed to attack a target from the side, rather than directly in front of it. This type of firing can increase the effectiveness of the weapon due to the element of surprise and can exploit the target's vulnerabilities as they may be less prepared to defend against an assault from their side.

Flanking fire is particularly useful in terms of maneuver tactics, as it allows for engaging an enemy from a position where they are not expecting attack, effectively compromising their defensive posture. This method is often seen in coordinated ground operations, where troops move to engage from multiple angles.

In contrast, other forms of fire such as oblique fire involves targeting a surface at an angle, frontal fire aims directly toward the front of an enemy position, and traversing fire typically refers to the movement of the weapon's aim from one target to another in a horizontal line without changing elevation. These classifications do not focus on the lateral sides of a target as effectively as flanking fire does.