Targeting

Do data centers qualify as lawful military objectives? If so, under what circumstances are they subject to attack? And what precautions must be taken before targeting them?

International law must better understand and account for the realities of civilian life in territory under armed group control.

The mission serves as an important precedent for others, so the international community must provide funding as a gesture of respect.

Israel’s expanded use of AI in the war in Gaza may partially explain widespread civilian harm.

The Manual risks creating a false impression that is not intended by the senior Defense Department leadership who produced the Manual — a problem that could significantly undervalue…

Timely analysis especially given recent U.S. government condemnations of Russia's indiscriminate attacks in Ukraine.

This article is the first in a new project at Just Security that assesses the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual with a goal of providing constructive opportunities…

New Pentagon effort to respond to civilian harm is encouraging, but DOD needs to demonstrate leadership, scope the problem correctly, and address the growing credibility gap to…

US officials’ emphasis on minimization of civilian casualties in an operation against such a high value target deserves special attention.

The Pentagon has three months to investigate the disturbing New York Times report that the military conducted and covered up airstrikes in Baghuz, Syria that killed up to 64 civilians.…

How framing civilian harm in U.S. military operations -- as a “tragic mistake” -- hides the systemic failure that requires institutional reform.

Our co-editor-in-chief identifies and annotates the 20 most significant elements of Centcom's statement.