In today's complex operational and threat environment, the protection of civilians in urban military operations represents a daunting tactical, operational and strategic challenge, which non-state armed groups using terrorism as a tactic will exploit to its fullest. Nevertheless, given the observable trends in urbanization and armed conflicts, it is one that commanders will inevitably have to face more frequently in the coming years. The integration of gender perspective is one tool forces will have to rely on to provide efficient protection and mitigate harm caused to the civilian population.