Collateral Damage

Collateral damage refers to unintended harm or destruction that occurs as a side effect of an action, often in military operations. For example, when targeting a military installation, surrounding civilians or structures may be unintentionally affected or harmed. While the primary goal is to achieve a specific objective, collateral damage highlights the unfortunate consequences that can arise from such actions. It is a critical concept in discussions about the ethics of warfare, as it raises questions about the responsibility to protect non-combatants and minimize unnecessary suffering.