I can understand why rebels stay behind to fight, sending their families out of the stronghold to other safe cities, or a refugee settlement.
I can only think, all these years later, the reason any rebels are keeping children in the rubble of stronholds is for PR when they are attacked and gassed. Seeing a babies & children struggle for breath and die has more impact than a male adult rebel fighter.
Honestly, that's why kids are still there right, or am I missing something? I don't blame them if they feel they have to do this as a last resort to gain world support, I wish it wasn't necessary though.