Under LOAC, which term best describes a person actively engaged in hostilities?

Under LOAC, which term best describes a person actively engaged in hostilities?

• A. Civilian
• B. Noncombatant
• C. Combatant
• D. Journalist

Answer: (C)

Active participation in hostilities marks someone as a combatant under the Law of Armed Conflict. Combatants are members of armed forces or organized armed groups who take part in fighting, so they may be targeted during armed conflict. This differs from civilians or noncombatants, who are protected from direct attacks unless they temporarily participate in hostilities. Journalists, while protected civilians in general, can lose protection if they directly participate in hostilities. So, the person actively engaged in hostilities is described as a combatant.

Active participation in hostilities marks someone as a combatant under the Law of Armed Conflict. Combatants are members of armed forces or organized armed groups who take part in fighting, so they may be targeted during armed conflict. This differs from civilians or noncombatants, who are protected from direct attacks unless they temporarily participate in hostilities. Journalists, while protected civilians in general, can lose protection if they directly participate in hostilities. So, the person actively engaged in hostilities is described as a combatant.