Bombardment

Bombardment, the throwing of bombs or shells at high angles into a fortress or other place in order to demolish it or to expel its defenders; or the battering down of defences by direct fire from heavy guns. According to the Declaration of Paris, the bombardment of open places - unless, indeed, they offer resistance - is at variance with the principles of international law. Military usage requires that due notice shall be given of the opening of a bombardment, in order that civilians may have an opportunity of retiring, but such notice is not obligatory. Neither is it likely that in warfare the provisions of the Declaration of Paris will ever be adhered to, if by bombarding an open place a commander believes that he can inflict a commensurate injury or annoyance upon the enemy.