Combatant Status

Combatant status refers to the classification of individuals involved in armed conflict. It determines whether someone is considered a lawful military participant or civilian. Combatants are members of armed forces authorized to engage in hostilities, benefiting from certain protections under international law, such as prisoner of war status if captured. Non-combatants or civilians are protected against direct attack but may lose certain protections if they directly participate in hostilities. Recognizing combatant status helps ensure proper legal treatment and accountability during conflicts, balancing military necessity with humanitarian principles.