

...quickly followed by...


This is the standard method for claiming non-combatant status, even
for the commanders of combat.


"Innocent civilians"???  Like the ones who set up the booby traps or
engaged in shoot-outs with soldiers or attack them with grenades or
axes? 


And the rest of the world is getting used to Arab tactics of claiming
innocence for even the most guilty of the vile murderers among them.
Keep it up long enough and it will backfire but good.
