What does the term "collateral damage" refer to?

The term "collateral damage" specifically refers to unintended damage or casualties inflicted on non-targets during military operations or engagements. This concept acknowledges that in the course of using force against a legitimate military target, there may be inadvertent impacts on civilian lives, property, or other unintended targets in the surrounding area. Understanding this term is crucial in military operations as it emphasizes the importance of precision and the need to minimize harm to civilians and their properties while achieving military objectives. The awareness of collateral damage also plays a vital role in shaping military strategies, rules of engagement, and post-conflict recovery efforts.