Expression: 'Civilian targets were bombed in reprisal for the raid.'

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please explain the following sentence to me?

'Civilian targets were bombed in reprisal for the raid.'

Tom

[Conchita]

Bombs were aimed at private citizens (people not belonging to the armed forces) as a punishment in revenge for the sudden attack.

[Tom]

Many thanks, Conchita

...but why use the word "target" here? Civilian targets?

Why not:

Civilians were targetted as a result...?

Tom

[Conchita]

Both phrasings are possible, Tom, since the word 'target' can be used either as a noun or as a verb.

NB: 'targeted'

[azizfa]

thank you very much