Open city

Common card · No. 246789

In war, an open city is a settlement which has announced it has abandoned all defensive efforts, generally in the event of the imminent capture of the city to avoid destruction. Once a city has declared itself open, the opposing military will be expected under international law to peacefully occupy the city rather than destroy it. Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions forbids the attacking party to "attack, by any means whatsoever, non-defended localities". The intent is to protect the city's civilians and cultural landmarks from a battle which may be futile. Attacking forces do not always respect the declaration of an open city. Defensive forces will occasionally use the designation as a political tactic as well. In some cases, the declaration of a city to be open is made by a side on the verge of surrender and defeat; in other cases, those making such a declaration are willing and able to fight on, but prefer that the specific city be spared. Often, resistance movements will be active...

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