You were wrong

You chose to drive into a battlefield and war zone, so why would you be surprised with the display of heavy military presence? About bribing the policemen, all I can say is rather than boast about (if that's what you were doing) you should talk about how wrong you were to do that. If you violate the law then pay the fine appropriately. If you didn't then say so and refuse to pay the bribe. I understand your being uneasy because of the location, but that was your choice - nobody forced you to drive into danger. Of course, all of this is easier for me to say, because I wasn't sitting in your seat making the decision.