Identify targets as legitimate targets before engagement. This is crucial to prevent harm to civilians and ensure adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality in combat.
Combatants: Individuals who are actively engaged in hostilities or are members of armed forces.
- Enemy soldiers in uniform not surrendering or wounded
- Armed militants
- Persons directly participating in hostilities
- A person posing an immediate threat (e.g., aiming a weapon) can be considered a combatant
- Parachuting active airborne infantry
Non-Combatants: Individuals who are not actively participating in hostilities. These are not legitimate targets.
- Civilians not taking direct part in hostilities
- Unarmed medical and religious personnel
- Wounded/surrendering soldiers who are not participating combat in any way, and prisoners of war
- Parachuting crew from a downed aircraft