an attack of machine-gun fire or cannon fire from a low flying airplane; "the next morning they carried out a strafe of enemy airfields"

attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane; "civilians were strafed in an effort to force the country's surrender"

when an airplane uses machine guns and/or cannon to attack surface targets.

A special attack made on a heavily defended territory WITHOUT the intention of taking it; meant as an attrition tactic.

Attack by machine gun or cannon fired from an aircraft.