There are plenty of theories that justify collateral damage in war. There are even theories that justify war crimes (e.g. have to break a few eggs to make an omelette). The main difference here is between state actors and non-state actors.

And it's bizarre to say that you don't need to get "philosophical or long-winded" about it, when it's a link to the British Academy Brian Barry Price essay. I mean "philosophical and long-winded" is exactly what their looking for here.

BTW, I agree with your normative assessment I am just saying your comment makes no sense in the context of this article.