Is it permissible to strike an enemy force that uses women and children as human shields during warfare?

Primary text

It is permissible to strike the enemy force even when they use their women and children as shields (*tutarusu*). The primary intention must remain directed toward the combatants. This ruling is established because the Prophet, peace be upon him, used a catapult (*manjaniq*) against them while women and children were present with them. Furthermore, restraining Muslims from attacking in such situations would lead to the suspension of Jihad, as the enemy would invariably use this tactic whenever they feared an assault.