illegal combatant

Illegal combatant is a term for someone who engages in armed conflict without meeting the criteria for lawful combatant status under international law—typically lacking a uniform, chain of command, or affiliation with a recognized military.

The term gained prominence after 2001 when the U.S. government used it to classify detainees at Guantánamo Bay, arguing they fell outside Geneva Convention protections.

Critics contend the designation was designed to create a legal gray zone.

Also called unlawful combatant or enemy combatant.