Targeting After Operation Allied Force: Has the Law Changed for CINCs and Their Planners?
Abstract
Recent reports published by Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) charge that NATO forces in ALLIED FORCE selected and attacked targets in violation of the Law of Armed Conflict. If these allegations are true, it follows that the CINC with responsibility for ALLIED FORCE--and his planners--violated the law, with potential liability for themselves and NATO and the U.S. Additionally, if the AT and HRW charges are true, then current CINCs and their planners cannot look to ALLIED FORCE as a model for targeting in any future military operation. An examination of the Al and HRW allegations, however, reveals that they are incorrect for two reasons: either the two organizations are wrong on the facts or, alternatively, they have misstated the law. Targets selected during ALLIED FORCE were legitimate military objectives, and were lawfully attacked. As a result, ALLIED FORCE is a proper and valid model for future targeting operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392766
Entities
People
- Fred L. Borch
Organizations
- Naval War College