Even though chaplains are considered noncombatants and are forbidden to carry weapons, they accompany troops into battle.

CNN: Specials

About 6, 850 prisoners remain in custody, the Pentagon said, while coalition officials determine whether they should be classified as combatants or noncombatants.

CNN: New purported Saddam tapes aired

The alliance said it was unable to confirm civilian casualties from the attack on the bridge, but said it does not intentionally attack noncombatants.

CNN: NATO says bridge was legitimate target

More than 100 noncombatants, including Iraqi civilians, are receiving health care aboard the USNS Comfort, a U.S. military medical ship in the Persian Gulf, according to Brooks.

CNN: Major fighting apparently over in Iraq

Our count is purely of noncombatants, except under special circumstances.

NPR: Inside Baghdad's Overflowing Central Morgue

However, since 2004 the United States has considered the group, which has lived for more than 25 years at a refugee camp in Iraq, "noncombatants" and "protected persons" under the Geneva Conventions.

CNN: Attack kills 5 at Iranian exile camp in Iraq

That will increase the danger facing noncombatants.

FORBES: Other Comments

And there was a report sourced for the ISI that the noncombatants had been -- had had their hands tied in preparation for taking them away on the helicopter, which they could not do because one of the helicopters had been damaged.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing