Which LOAC principle states that attacks must not cause collateral damage excessive in relation to the direct military objective?

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

Answer: (C)

Proportionality in LOAC requires that the anticipated harm to civilians or civilian objects from an attack is not excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military objective sought. In practice, planners weigh the expected military gain against the potential collateral damage. If the harm is judged excessive, the attack would violate this principle and should be avoided or modified.

This principle differs from distinction, which is about targeting only legitimate military objectives and differentiating them from civilians; and from precautions, which require taking feasible steps to minimize civilian harm; and from military necessity, which allows actions that are necessary to achieve a legitimate objective but must still be balanced against proportionality.