IHL DATABASE Customary IHL
all IHL databases
Related Rule
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Practice Relating to Rule 12. Definition of Indiscriminate Attacks
Section A. Attacks which are not directed at a specific military objective
III. Military Manuals
The UK LOAC Pamphlet (1981) defines indiscriminate attacks as “attacks which are not directed at a military objective and which are likely to strike at military objectives and civilian objects without distinction”. 
United Kingdom, The Law of Armed Conflict, D/DAT/13/35/66, Army Code 71130 (Revised 1981), Ministry of Defence, prepared under the Direction of The Chief of the General Staff, 1981, Section 4, p. 15, § 5(j).
The UK LOAC Manual (2004) states:
Indiscriminate attacks are:
(a) “those which are not directed at a specific military objective”;
…
“and consequently, in each such case, are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction.” 
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 5.23.1(a); see also §§ 12.22 (air operations) and 13.28 (maritime warfare).
VI. Other National Practice
In 1991, in a report submitted to the UN Security Council on operations in the Gulf War, the United Kingdom criticized Iraq for launching indiscriminate missile attacks against civilians. 
United Kingdom, Letter dated 13 February 1991 to the President of the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/22218, 13 February 1991, pp. 1–2.
Section B. Attacks which cannot be directed at a specific military objective
III. Military Manuals
The UK LOAC Manual (2004) states:
Indiscriminate attacks are:
…
(b) “those which employ a method or means of combat which cannot be directed at a specific military objective”;
…
“and consequently, in each such case, are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction.” 
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 5.23.1; see also §§ 12.22 (air operations) and 13.28 (maritime warfare).
VI. Other National Practice
At the CDDH, the United Kingdom stated:
The definition of indiscriminate attacks given in [Article 51(4) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I] was not intended to mean that there were means of combat the use of which would constitute an indiscriminate attack in all circumstances. The paragraph did not in itself prohibit the use of any specific weapon, but it took account of the fact that the lawful use of means of combat depended on the circumstances. 
United Kingdom, Statement at the CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.41, 26 May 1977, p. 164, § 119.
Section C. Attacks whose effects cannot be limited as required by international humanitarian law
III. Military Manuals
The UK LOAC Manual (2004) states:
Indiscriminate attacks are:
…
(c) “those which employ a method or means of combat the effects of which cannot be limited as required” by Additional Protocol I;
“and consequently, in each such case, are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction.” 
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 5.23.1; see also §§ 12.22 (air operations) and 13.28 (maritime warfare).
VI. Other National Practice
At the CDDH, the United Kingdom stated:
The definition of indiscriminate attacks given in [Article 51(4) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I] was not intended to mean that there were means of combat the use of which would constitute an indiscriminate attack in all circumstances. The paragraph did not in itself prohibit the use of any specific weapon, but it took account of the fact that the lawful use of means of combat depended on the circumstances. 
United Kingdom, Statement at the CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.41, 26 May 1977, p. 164, § 119.