Levée en masse

The term applied to the inhabitants of a territory which has not been occupied, who on the approach of the enemy spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading troops without having had time to organize themselves into regular armed forces. They must be regarded as combatants if they carry arms openly and respect the laws and customs of armed conflict.
If captured they have a right to be treated as prisoners of war. The levée en masse should not be confused with resistance movements.

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