They determined that they weren't aimed at civilian targets
What were they aiming at, if they weren't aiming at civilians?
They were aiming at the norther part of Northern Ireland.
Even if countries claim they aren't firing on civilians in war, many civilians are usually killed. Countries should always avoid civilian casualties, and they should not ever intentionally fire on civilians.
Why? We never killed anyone when we fired.
It is only really by luck that you have not killed anyone. This type of attack has the potential to kill people Don't you want to have a more diplomatic way to solve things?