Which LOAC principle requires that combatants differentiate between military targets and civilians/civilian objects?

• A. Proportionality
• B. Distinction
• C. Military Necessity
• D. Precautions

Answer: (B)

Distinction requires combatants to differentiate between military targets and civilians or civilian objects. Attacks must be directed at military objectives, while civilians and civilian infrastructure should be spared unless they are directly participating in hostilities, in which case any use of force must still be proportionate. This principle is the guardrail that protects noncombatants and shapes targeting decisions on the battlefield. Other LOAC rules—proportionality, military necessity, and precautions—address different limits: proportionality checks that force used isn’t excessive relative to the objective, military necessity justifies actions needed to achieve a legitimate military aim, and precautions require steps to minimize civilian harm. Distinction is the rule that specifically enforces the division between legitimate military targets and civilians.