Which LOAC principle requires belligerents to distinguish between military targets and civilians?

• A. Proportionality
• B. Precaution
• C. Distinction
• D. Military necessity

Answer: (C)

Distinction is the principle that requires belligerents to identify military targets and separate them from civilians. Attacks may be directed only at military objectives, so civilian persons and civilian objects must be protected from harm. This rule is the cornerstone of LOAC: it helps ensure that force is directed at legitimate military ends, not at the civilian population. In practice, a target must have a military function to be lawful to strike, and even then the force used must align with proportionality and precautions—meaning the expected civilian harm must not be excessive compared to the military objective, and feasible steps should be taken to minimize civilian harm.