crossfire
n. uncountablen. gunfire coming from two or more different directions that crosses over an area. It also describes a situation where you are caught between two groups who are arguing.
n. gunfire from two or more positions crossing the same area. Often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a neutral party is affected by a conflict between two opposing sides.
The reporter was caught in the crossfire during the protest.
Innocent civilians often suffer the most when they are trapped in the crossfire of a local conflict.
The junior manager found himself in the crossfire of a bitter dispute between the CEO and the board of directors, making his position increasingly untenable.
From cross- + fire.
Commonly used in the idiomatic phrase 'caught in the crossfire'.