Which operation seeks to deny the enemy the use of critical assets while preserving your own forces?

The operation that seeks to deny the enemy the use of critical assets while preserving your own forces is a defensive operation. This type of operation is fundamentally aimed at protecting friendly forces and positions while engaging the enemy forces. Defensive operations can take many forms, including establishing strongpoints, conducting counterattacks, and utilizing terrain advantages to minimize exposure and losses.

In this context, preserving one's own forces is critical because it allows for sustained combat effectiveness over time. By denying the enemy access to essential resources, such as supply routes or vital infrastructure, friendly forces can significantly degrade the enemy's ability to conduct offensive operations while simultaneously maintaining their own operational readiness. The combination of these objectives makes defensive operations a vital strategy in maintaining control over a given area and protecting forces on the battlefield.

Other options reflect different tactical objectives or scenarios that do not primarily focus on the preservation of one’s forces while denying the enemy critical assets.