You do not say where this took place, if it was in Iraq, it's quite believable, where factions of al Qaida commited atrocities on numerous tribal leaders and their families. Muslims in Iraq are learning that the islamists in their midst are their worst enemies.
What to you think gave rise to the Anbar Awakening? Why are muslims acting in their own capacity in defence against the islamic killers - Iraqi's have woken up that muslims are killing muslims in Iraq - just as they do everywhere else. Muslims kill more muslims than 'infidels' so it's no wonder, if true, you were not seen as the enemy by the people whom you claim saved you, who would have done so in self-interest.
And, after all, that's why you were in Iraq, if that's where you actually were. I'm surprised you never bothered to mention it.
One swallow does not a summer make. If All were as you say, we could bring the troops home tomorrow. The reason we cannot abandon Iraq is because there are too many muslims who would annihilate other muslims in an attempt to establish the Caliphate and sharia law.
If anyone saved you it was because they understood that only the US stands between them and a far worse fate than 'occuptation' by the Coalition.
*