BREAKING: President Trump confirms that the United States has bombed the B1 bridge in Karaj. This is civilian...

[GCG]

23. It depends.

No, not all bridges are legal targets in war. Under international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict), a bridge only becomes a legitimate military target if it makes an effective contribution to military action and its destruction offers a definite military advantage.

Bridges are classic examples of "dual-use" targets. While they are crucial for civilian transportation and infrastructure, their utility in moving military assets often makes them targets. The legality of targeting them often hinges on the Principle of Distinction, which requires parties to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives.

If a bridge is used for civilian purposes, attacking it when there is no significant military advantage—or when the damage to civilians is disproportionate—is a violation of international law.