The bombing of the Amiriyah shelter in Baghdad involved the use of two laser-guided 'smart bombs' by Allied forces during the course of the Gulf War. According to U.S. military officials, the shelter was believed to be used as a military communications site, making it a target under the principles of military necessity. However, the reality of the situation was dramatically different, as over 400 civilians were killed during the strike. These individuals had sought refuge in the supposed military installation, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of military operations in urban environments.

This incident occurred during the air campaign of the Gulf War, which aimed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait after their invasion in 1990. The use of precision-guided munitions marked a significant development in military technology, with the intent to reduce collateral damage. However, this attack raised ethical and moral questions regarding the distinction between civilian and military targets in warfare. The complexities of urban warfare came to the forefront as the air forces aimed to minimize U.S. and coalition losses while aiming for strategic success.

In the aftermath, the bombing had a substantial impact on perceptions of the Gulf War and the conduct of military operations by the U.S. and Allied forces. It sparked debates on the law of armed conflict and the obligations to protect civilian lives. Human rights groups and various international entities condemned the attack, citing the loss of civilian lives and the inadequate warning given to inhabitants of the shelter. The Amiriyah bombing remains a pivotal moment in discussions regarding military ethics, highlighting the challenges of urban warfare and the potential for civilian casualties, which continue to resonate in contemporary conflicts.