crossfire

noun4

1. •
   An arrangement of two or more weapons so each can fire diagonally at something in front of a line between them.
2. •
   The danger to a third party passing between two belligerents firing at one another.

   • The two factions were either side of the road. A civilian lorry was caught in the crossfire and became collateral damage
3. •
   The danger to a third party passing between a gunman and his target.

   • A woman who was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting in north London on Tuesday evening was not the intended target, police have said. — 2024
4. •
   A heated confrontation between opposing factions.