The principle of distinction in LOAC means what?

• A. Attacks may target both military objectives and civilians if ordered by a higher authority.
• B. Civilians may be attacked if they pose a threat.
• C. Distinction means that all attacks must be proportional to the objective, regardless of targets.
• D. Attacks must target military objectives only and civilians or civilian objects are protected.

Answer: (D)

The principle being tested is the distinction in LOAC: you must separate military objectives from civilians and civilian objects, and direct attacks only at the military objectives. That idea is captured by saying attacks must target military objectives only and civilians or civilian objects are protected. This guards noncombatants and civilian property from harm, except in narrow cases where a civilian object is being used for military purposes.

Why this choice fits best: it states clearly that legitimate targets are military objectives, while civilians and civilian objects are protected from attack. The other options either imply attacking civilians, allow targeting civilians for any threat, or mix in proportionality as if it overrides who can be targeted. Distinction focuses on who may be attacked, while proportionality concerns the amount of force used relative to the objective, not who may be targeted.