I wish I knew if this was a hot zone, that is one controlled by the bad guys ... it does make a difference however much that is ...

In that conflict many civilians are armed for many reasons that are not involved with the war. Mainly to protect their family against criminals and insurgents, some are tribal folks on our side, some are local militia trying to maintain order. Seeing an AK-47 you would have to fire on most of the population if that is the only criteria ... it ain't but I admit I am not there and don't know the policy at the moment ... If it was not a bad guy controlled zone, simply seeing and AK is not grounds to engage unless you are fired on since any engagement involves civilian casualties usually ... and RPG different story I did not see or hear of an RPG... I still don't think the engagement was justified myself. I wasn't there.