Combatants are individuals or groups engaged in armed conflict or warfare. They can be members of regular military forces, such as soldiers in an army, or irregular forces, like guerrilla fighters. Combatants are often organized into units and may operate under a specific command structure, following rules of engagement and international laws governing warfare. In many conflicts, combatants may also include non-state actors, such as militias or insurgent groups. The distinction between combatants and non-combatants (civilians) is crucial in international humanitarian law, which aims to protect those not participating in hostilities, including civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers.