Which principle of the Law of War refers to minimizing collateral damage during military actions?

The principle of the Law of War that focuses on minimizing collateral damage during military actions is known as proportionality. This principle mandates that the anticipated collateral damage—not just in terms of civilian casualties but also in terms of damage to civilian objects—must be proportionate to the direct military advantage anticipated from the operation. The aim is to ensure that military actions are conducted in a way that seeks to limit the impact on non-combatants and civilian infrastructure, thereby adhering to the ethical and legal standards established in international humanitarian law. By weighing the overall military gain against potential harm to civilians, armed forces are encouraged to consider alternatives or adjustments to their operations when the potential for collateral damage is deemed excessive in comparison to the military advantage achieved.

In this context, the other principles—military necessity, distinction, and humanity—support the overarching aim of the Law of War but do not directly address the issue of collateral damage in the same way. Military necessity allows for the use of force to achieve legitimate military objectives, distinction emphasizes the need to differentiate between combatants and non-combatants, and humanity calls for humane treatment of all persons affected by war. Each of these principles contributes to the framework, but it is proportionality that specifically targets the balance required to limit