Legal Definitions - open town

An "open town" refers to a populated area, such as a city or town, located within a zone of armed conflict that has been intentionally declared undefended by its authorities. This means that all military forces, defenses, and strategic assets have been removed or withdrawn, signaling to an approaching enemy that the town will not resist an occupation.

The primary purpose of declaring a town "open" is typically to prevent its destruction, minimize civilian casualties, and preserve its infrastructure during warfare. Under international law, while the concept primarily relates to the conditions under which an attacking force may enter and occupy such a place without resistance, it also implies certain protections for the undefended population and property.

• Example 1: During a large-scale invasion, the government of a capital city, realizing its military is overwhelmed and further resistance would lead to catastrophic urban warfare, publicly announces that all military units are withdrawing and the city will not be defended. They urge the attacking forces to enter peacefully to avoid bloodshed.

  This illustrates an "open town" because the city, despite its strategic importance, is intentionally left undefended in a combat zone to prevent its destruction and protect its civilian population from a prolonged siege or battle. The attacking forces are expected to enter without resistance.

• Example 2: In a regional conflict, a coastal town with no significant military installations or strategic value finds itself directly in the path of an advancing army. The local authorities, with the consent of their national government, declare the town "open" by removing the small police force and any remaining civilian defense groups, hoping to avoid it becoming a battlefield.

  This demonstrates an "open town" as it's a populated area within a combat zone that has been deliberately stripped of any defensive capabilities. The declaration is a plea for the attacking forces to occupy it peacefully rather than engaging in combat that would harm its residents and infrastructure.

• Example 3: A besieged city, after weeks of intense fighting, runs out of essential supplies, and its defenses are critically weakened. To prevent a final, devastating assault that would obliterate the remaining population and historical sites, the military command decides to withdraw its remaining forces and declare the city "open," allowing the besieging army to enter unopposed.

  This example shows an "open town" where the decision is made out of necessity and humanitarian concern. The city is in a combat zone, and by removing its defenses, it is "laid open" to the attacking forces, aiming to prevent further bloodshed and destruction, even if it means surrendering control.