The soldiers tried to stop them but couldn't......
I like that!
The soldiers had considered stopping them but didn't......
I just saw a report that civilians (mostly former military personnel) armed themselves and assisted the military and police in taking out the terrorists. During WW2, Russian civilians made life absolute heck for the German invaders, sniping at them, blowing up supply convoys, and all other manner of general insurrection.
The soldiers couldn't stop the crowd...
...or wouldn't?
I'm thinking it may the latter.