Wilf,
Civilian deaths in war is only an issue in so much as there is a political effect.I will continue to disagree with your final point because what you say before it is true.You should attempt to be precise, proportionate and discriminating, but fear of civilian deaths, should never impede actions of military necessity.
Killing civilians does have political effect and in a counter-inurgency campaign where securing the population is the objective, the use of the term collateral damage is self-defeating. Civilian deaths are not collateral, they are friendly.
Best
Tom
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