A power plant that provides electricity to run military operations is considered a legal target.

• A. Not applicable
• B. Depends
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that facilities that directly contribute to a military operation can be legitimate targets. A power plant that supplies electricity to run military operations directly supports the enemy’s war effort. Destroying or disabling it would impede those operations, which under the laws of armed conflict makes the plant a valid military objective. This rests on the rule that military objectives include objects that by their nature, location, purpose, or use make an effective contribution to the military action.

Of course, this must be weighed against precautions and proportionality. If the same plant also powers largely civilian infrastructure and the civilian harm from targeting it would be disproportionate, the decision becomes more complex. But with the scenario stated—that it provides electricity to run military operations—the target is legally singable as legitimate.