"Poor choice of words by the General, but I know what he is trying to say"

Alternatively an accurate choice of words from (who I would think you'd agree) a man competent at his job whom is used to clearly and succinctly relaying precise orders to his minions.

What he is trying to say is he personally is amazed by the number of people his forces have shot who, as far as his (presumably accurate, otherwise it's worthless) intelligence can tell have represented no threat to anyone whatsoever.

or

Lots of dead people who shouldn't really be dead.

Simple really, don't you think?