The enemy positions were hit by a relentless barrage of artillery shells.

barrage 来自法语，原意是"拦河坝"，在军事术语中引申为"密集火力网"或"连续炮击"。这个词形象地描绘了炮弹像洪水般倾泻而下的场景，强调攻击的持续性和高强度。