The bolded part!!! Unfortunately, it seems to be the intentions. Of recapturing the city by any means possible, in a desperate attempt to assert control, which is doomed to fail.
They're not even hiding it, at this point. Even Edna Adan while trying to give advice to the Garaads are talking about the suggestion/thought of Laascaanood being in ruin, and not even making a big deal out of it. And mentioning how that's happened before, and does not seem to be a problem.
The locals are in control of their city. Who would be inclined to destroy it, other than SL?!?!?!? We are literally seeing war crimes right infront of our eyes. A massacre/genocide in the happening. By the same people who endured state sponsored violence, in a similar manner. Make it make sense.
