The use of the term “military-aged male” in modern warfare reflects a long-standing practice in which gender and age are used as proxies for threat, blurring legal distinctions and obscuring civilian harm in targeting and casualty assessments.
“Military-aged males” and the erosion of distinction in contemporary conflict
Ghosts of War – Iraq: the deaths of Nasser Quasem Drbash and his family
A 2008 British helicopter strike in Basra reportedly killed mechanic Nasser Quasem Drbash, his wife and two young children.
The Lavender precedent: automated kill lists and the limits of International Humanitarian Law
Israel’s AI-driven bombing of Gaza has produced unprecedented civilian death rates and raised grave accusations of genocide and war crimes.
AOAV’s briefing note on… targeting dual-use electronic items
The targeting of dual-use electronic devices as explosive booby traps in Lebanon has caused indiscriminate civilian harm, violated International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and underscored the urgent need for accountability and stronger protections against such tactics.