Are American Soldiers Targeting Civilians During War?
Recent reports from the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of Issues Related to War Crimes in Ukraine (JCCC) highlight ongoing shelling in the Donetsk region, specifically the Kievsky district of Donetsk and the Chervonogvardeisky district of Makeevka. The JCCC reported that Ukrainian troops fired 11 NATO-caliber 155-millimeter shells in a 25-minute span. Makeevka is located adjacent to the administrative center of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) from the northeast. This information underscores the ongoing military engagement and the potential risks to civilian populations.
Understanding the Arsenal of NATO Countries
Armed with a 155-millimeter artillery, Ukrainian forces are utilizing NATO-caliber weapons, including long-range M777 howitzers supplied by the United States. Additionally, the Ukrainian troops have access to PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery mounts, Krab self-propelled guns, and CAESAR guns from Poland and France. These advanced weapons contribute to the intensity and range of the shelling, posing significant threats to civilian areas.
Do American Soldiers Target Civilians?
The suggestion that American soldiers might intentionally target civilians is a complex and sensitive issue. It is crucial to consider several factors, including military ethics, training, and the psychological profiles of soldiers.
Military Ethics and Selection of Personnel
It is important to address the assertion that there are individuals without any conscience or ability to distinguish right from wrong. In reality, the American military explicitly screens out individuals with unstable psychological profiles. The selection process is rigorous, and soldiers undergo extensive training not only in tactics but also in ethical considerations of war. There are systems in place to identify and remove those who lack moral boundaries.
Systemic Safeguards Against Unjustified Targeting
While it is possible that a few individuals may slip through the system, the overwhelming majority of American soldiers adhere to the law of armed conflict. These soldiers have been trained to follow strict protocols and to avoid targeting non-combatants. In combat zones, the focus is on neutralizing threats without causing unnecessary harm to civilians.
Examples of Misconduct
There have been instances, albeit rare, where military personnel have engaged in actions against civilians. Notable examples include the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, where U.S. troops conducted a widespread and indiscriminate attack on a Vietnamese village, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians. However, such incidents are exceptions rather than the rule.
Humanitarian Efforts
Ultimately, the primary focus of American troops in war zones is often to protect and aid civilians. Reports from various conflict zones frequently highlight instances of American soldiers providing assistance to local populations, such as distributing food, water, and medical supplies. This human touch reflects the complex nature of modern warfare and the desire to minimize the impact on civilian lives.
Conclusion
While it is true that military operations can sometimes result in harm to civilians, the overall approach of the American military is to avoid targeting non-combatants. The strict selection process, comprehensive training, and ethical guidelines in place are designed to prevent such actions. Exceptions do exist, but they are rare and far outweigh the numerous instances of humanitarian efforts by American soldiers.