What term describes unintentional injury or damage to persons or objects that are not lawful military targets?

The term that describes unintentional injury or damage to persons or objects that are not lawful military targets is collateral damage. This occurs when military operations result in unintended harm to civilians or non-combatant infrastructure during the course of legitimate attacks on military objectives. Understanding this concept is crucial in military operations, as it highlights the importance of adhering to the principles of distinction and proportionality in order to minimize harm to innocent parties.

Collateral damage is often a significant concern in contemporary warfare, particularly in urban environments where civilian populations are in close proximity to military objectives. It underscores the ethical and legal obligations soldiers and commanders have to take all feasible precautions to avoid such occurrences. This term is distinct from others that might focus specifically on unintended friendly casualties, mistakes in targeting, or incidental outcomes of military action, further emphasizing its unique context in military discourse.