The atmospheric compound pollution events, primarily composed of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), represent one of the significant challenges facing China"s atmospheric environmental pollution. Accurate forecasting of atmospheric composite pollutants is essential for implementing effective pollution control and prevention measures. There is considerable uncertainty in forecasting the concentrations of compound pollutants. However, conventional observations are insufficient to meet the demands for their accurate forecasting. "Target observations" focus on the observational needs of forecasts and present a new observational strategy to enhance numerical forecasting skills. Currently, the target observation has been successfully applied in theoretical research and practical field trials for high-impact weather and climate events, significantly improving forecast skills. Compared to target observation research on high-impact weather and climate events, studies on target observation for air pollution events began relatively late and have not yet been implemented in field experiments. This paper reviews the research progress of target observation on high-impact weather and climate event forecasts, evaluates the application of targeted observation strategies in studies of severe air pollution events, and discusses the challenges currently faced. Additionally, it highlights key areas for future research and explores the critical role of targeted observations in improving the forecasting skills of atmospheric composite pollutants, aiming at providing scientific support for the precise management of atmospheric composite pollution.