Collateral damage assessment

Collateral damage assessment is the process of evaluating unintended harm caused during military operations or interventions. It involves analyzing and estimating the impact on civilians, property, infrastructure, and the environment that occurs as a side effect of targeting specific threats. The goal is to minimize harm to non-combatants and shared resources, ensuring the military actions are as precise and responsible as possible. This assessment helps decision-makers weigh risks and benefits, improve planning, and implement safeguards to reduce unnecessary suffering or damage beyond the intended target.