Generally speaking, terrorists purposefully target civilians in order to instill fear and terror in the public which they are targeting. They also are generally not directly connected to a conventional military, although conventional militaries have carried out acts of terrorism and state(-sponsored) terrorism can exist as well.. Terrorists do not have or follow any rules of engagement nor do they try to limit collateral damage. In fact, a terrorist’s goal is usually to kill and maim innocent civilians. Terrorists are the scum of the Earth no matter their motivations.