Beyond the imposition of Islamic law, which is the fundamental aim of jihad in all of its forms, the next strikingly common trait among jihadist groups is the utter lack of concern for civilian casualties. Fatwa after vague fatwa [1] about "innocents" won't stop them: it all [2] depends on your definition of "innocent."

"Amnesty Accuses Thai Muslim Insurgents of War Crimes," from [3] Voice of America News, September 27 (thanks to Twostellas):

Amnesty International says Muslim rebels waging an insurgent campaign in three southern provinces of Thailand have committed war crimes by deliberately targeted civilians.

Nearly 5,000 people have been killed in the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat since 2004. In a report released Tuesday, the human rights group says civilians from all walks of life, including teachers, civil servants and farmers, have been indiscriminately targeted in the attacks....

It gets worse: who says they were "indiscriminately" targeted? Often, civilians appear to have been targeted [4] because they are Buddhists. On other occasions, the jihadists have sought to make an example of Muslims friendly to or representative of the current government, and to attempt to intimidate the population into submission.