The Wolf will “swarm” us

[meliss]

Hi. The author use the verb "swarm" several times describing the foe's tactics in the battle scene where the Afghan warlord Spitamenes is facing Alexander’s troops across a river. I can't understand what are these tactics. Here are some citations:
"We are better trained and disciplined, with superior armor and weaponry. But we are strung out like ducks on the water. The Wolf will “swarm” us."
"Ahead, our column of infantry stretches along the river for more than a mile. From the rear we can see the foe already starting to swarm them."
"Meanwhile, the Wolf has sprung the same trap on our rearguard infantry assaulting the island. Our fellows advance, up to their calves in the river. Now the foe brings more horsemen from the flank. He cuts our troops off and swarms them." (The Afghan Campaign by Steven Pressfield)

 

[Tarheel]

A swarm of something is a great number of that thing. A swarm of gnats is too many to count. Maybe he means the enemy is overwhelming them with numbers.

Who won?

 

[meliss]

Who won?

I don't know yet, but it seems, that Alexander. The numbers were equal: "Our force is equal in number to the enemy."

 

[5jj]

Alexander's forces are spread out. The enemy can cut off small groups and swarm them.

 

[Skrej]

'Swarm' in this context also means to encircle (with superior numbers).

If you've ever been swarmed by insects, you may have noticed they don't just attack one side of you. They completely surround you, looking for any exposed skin to bite.

 

[SoothingDave]

I find it amusing to think of wolves as swarming.

 

[tedmc]

"Swarm" is usually used with insects.