Collateral damage refers to unintended harm or destruction that occurs as a result of military actions or operations. This can include damage to civilian infrastructure, injuries, or fatalities among non-combatants who are not the intended targets of an attack. It often raises ethical questions about the conduct of warfare and the responsibility of military forces. In addition to military contexts, collateral damage can also apply to other situations, such as business decisions or policy changes that negatively impact unrelated parties. For example, a company's decision to cut costs might lead to job losses for employees who are not directly involved in the decision-making process.