What is the primary purpose of using a smoke screen in military operations?

The primary purpose of using a smoke screen in military operations is to obscure enemy vision and protect friendly troops. When deployed, smoke creates a dense cloud that significantly reduces visibility for enemy forces, making it difficult for them to target or engage friendly units effectively. This tactical advantage allows friendly forces to maneuver, regroup, or advance without being detected or targeted accurately.

In contrast, while signaling enemy positions or creating confusion among enemy forces can sometimes be side effects of using a smoke screen, they are secondary to the primary goal of providing cover and concealment. Additionally, enhancing visibility during the night is not relevant to the use of smoke screens, as their function is precisely to reduce, rather than improve, visibility.