In 2007, Dutch military units unlawfully bombed a residential complex in Afghanistan as a part of a U.S. led coalition against the Taliban who were thought to be sheltering within the building. This incident killed over 20 civilians and produced a civil case brought up by four survivors. In November, the District Court of Hague found this incident to be unlawful and a violation of international humanitarian law. However, the Dutch claimed that they did not violate that law despite the last report of the Taliban being within that building being over 12 hours prior to the airstrike. Nonetheless, the Dutch government has agreed with the ruling of the court and the amount of compensation for the survivors.
The U.S war in Afghanistan left over 70,000 civilians dead between Afghans and Pakistani. This specific incident serves as an example to how miscalculation and overall lack of evidence can lead to death during war, especially during this time. In 2007, the military appearance from the Dutch over the Chora Valley was the largest upfront confrontation since the 50s. This case also provides on an individual to individual basis the impact of war and loss within a group of people. Specifically aligning with the set of rules within the international humanitarian law that are used to prevent detrimental civilian effects during armed conflicts.
This relates to what we discussed in class because it serves as an example as to the international rules that are expected to be followed when war or armed conflict breaks out.