When you operating in combat zone the normal procedure is to go as high as possible as fast as possible.
Though headed toward a war zone, surely the Cptn knew the takeoff was in a safe location and presumably would conduct the TO accordingly.
Especially when most of the pax were members of a choir, and some journalists.
Not infantry or paratroopers. Nor military brass to impress with a steep takeoff profile.
Just seems common sense.
However, I defer to those with the experience I lack.