4. The use of high-precision weapons without accurate or based on false targets
by unprofessionals or calculations without sufficient training.
As you know, the use of high-precision weapons has a number of features,
namely: requirements are increased: to intelligence systems regarding the efficiency of
detection, the authenticity of objects recognition; to systems of control of forces and
means - the formation of precise target indication; to communication systems - a
guaranteed timely transmission of intelligence and target data [35]; the accuracy of
shooting allows the use of a smaller warhead to achieve the desired degree of damage,
thereby reducing the possible contingency losses and accidental defeat of the civilian
population, striking at targets previously forbidden to defeat due to possible side-loss.
Despite the presence of high-precision weapons in the Saudi Arabian Air Force,
the lack of accurate target designations has caused low effectiveness of its use in
Yemen, resulting in numerous civilian casualties [36]. A good example of this is a
supposedly erroneous air attack on the funeral procession in Sana'a on 8 October 2016,
where 82 people were killed and 534 people were wounded [37].
According to Stratfor, despite Russia's deployment in Syria of more than 160
different types of new weapons, including high-precision weapons, its use repeatedly
led to mass casualties among the civilian population [38].
The use of modern intelligence means and precision weapons did not exclude
civilian casualties and during the strikes of the Israeli army at the alleged locations of
the leaders of terrorist organizations in territories under the control of the Palestinian
Authority. Thus, according to [39], in the period between 2002 and May 2008, as a
result of targeted operations, 234 targets were destroyed, but almost 40% casualties
were civilians.
5. Lack of proper attitude to the issue of prevention of losses from regular military
formations, as evidenced by [30]. At the same time, as a conclusion from the lessons
of fighting in the city, the following is stated: "The side that is less concerned about the
security of the civilian population is the advantage, especially if it is due to the
disregard for the truth and skillful manipulation by international belief".
Thus, the reasons that potentially and really lead to an increase in the number of
civilian casualties are:
military operations in high population density areas, usually in urban areas,
including in megapolises;
the use of terror tactics by various non-state actors;
the use of random military equipment - heavy weapons, including explosive
weapons with a large radius of destruction (artillery, mortars), simultaneous defeat of
targets in large areas (multiple launch systems);
destruction or damaging of facilities necessary for the survival of civilians;
the use of precision weapons without target designations or by non-professionals;
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