combatant

A combatant is a person who directly participates in hostilities during an armed conflict and belongs to the armed forces or an organized armed group that is recognized as part of a party to the conflict. In international humanitarian law, combatants are distinguished from civilians and are generally expected to abide by the laws and customs of war. If captured, combatants typically receive prisoner-of-war protections, provided they meet the applicable criteria and conduct.

Combatant status is contrasted with civilian status. Civilians retain immunity from direct attack unless they directly participate in hostilities, in which case they may temporarily lose protection for the duration of such participation. After ceasing participation, civilians regain protection. The term and its implications are closely tied to the rules governing armed conflict, particularly the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.

Criteria and scope vary by treaty and conflict type. In international armed conflicts, combatants include members of regular armed forces and certain organized militias or volunteer corps that are under responsible command, have a fixed distinctive sign, wear or carry arms openly, and recognize and obey the laws of war. Members of such groups who meet these conditions are considered combatants. Those who do not meet the criteria may be treated as civilians or, in some contexts, as unlawful combatants, with different legal consequences.

The concept applies to soldiers, sailors, air personnel, and members of recognized paramilitary units or resistance movements, but its precise application can differ by jurisdiction and conflict.