Blanket bombing refers to a military tactic where a wide area is bombarded with numerous bombs in order to destroy a target or weaken an enemy. There are several synonyms for the term blanket bombing, such as saturation bombing, carpet bombing, and area bombardment. The strategy is typically used in large scale military operations in order to maximize destruction and casualties. While effective at damaging infrastructure and causing destruction, it can also lead to significant collateral damage and civilian casualties. Due to its indiscriminate nature, merciless bombing campaigns have been criticized as inhumane and unnecessary. Modern warfare usually seeks to minimize civilian casualties and reduce collateral damage.