Was Ephesians 6:12 used historically to dehumanize opponents and justify physical war?

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The standard, modern understanding of this passage is that our true opponents are not physical enemies, but rather evil spiritual forces that attempt to sow division and chaos. How has this passage been used historically, and has it ever been used to justify war by dehumanizing the enemy? If so, could you point me to some examples?