Combat action
Combat operations in the broader sense are used in all cases in which violence against people, animals and / or objects is exercised by armed forces or other formed associations .
In a narrower sense , this only includes the use of weapons in war (including civil war ) or during (civil) war-like conditions.
international law
Under international law , combat operations are generally considered legal if or to the extent that they serve either self-defense or the restoration of peace - e. As by armed operations which qua resolution to Chapter VII of the UN Charter were adopted internationally. On the other hand, they are considered crimes if they are planned or carried out without legitimation and / or only to enforce certain, one-sided interests (e.g. preparation of a war of aggression ; cf. also Art. 26 (1) GG ).
Armed conflict
An occurrence of hostilities is not mandatory in order for the offense of an armed conflict is met.
