Going into Iraq, American troops were sternly instructed to be very careful about hitting civilians during combat. The troops grumbled, but complied. Then the Iraqis began attacking wearing civilian clothes, firing from behind civilians as well as making suicide bomber attacks using civilians. Without saying anything officially, the troops were told that they should defend themselves any way possible, and not worry about the earlier, highly restrictive rules of engagement. Local commanders and the Pentagon refuse to comment on this change. But the change was made.