A combatant is someone who takes a direct part in the hostilities of an armed conflict. If a combatant follows the law of war, then they are considered a privileged combatant, and upon capture they qualify as a prisoner of war under the Third Geneva Convention (GCIII). An unprivileged combatant is someone, such as a mercenary, who take a direct part in the hostilities but who upon capture does not qualify for prisoner of war status.
OmegaWiki Dictionary
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combatant A person who is actively engaged in battle, conflict or warfare.
combatant A person who is fighting.
combatant A person who fights or struggles using physical force or weapon.