MCRP 12-10B.1, page 147
Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)
Marine Corps Reference Publication: Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)
Public distribution statement A; S2 KOCOA cited as MCRP 12-10 b.1
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OP, a commander would be justified in destroying it immediately because of the
immediate danger posed to his/her troops. Another example is a religious shrine
that is used as a telephone switchboard; in this case a warning would be appropriate
because it would take some time to dismantle the system. Attacks on these types of
targets should be limited to the least amount necessary to neutralize the enemy
installations.
(4) The destruction, demolition, or military use of other buildings is permitted under the
law of land warfare if required by clear military necessity. Destroying a house to obtain a
better field of fire would be a legal act. But destroying it as a reprisal would not.
However, firing on any houses that are occupied or defended by an enemy force is usually
legal.
Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain
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