Some might perceive that in using the term "dragons," Joseph Smith exposed himself as the "fairy-tale" author of the Book of Mormon. However, the reader will see that "dragons" might be the unique term which clues the reader in to the real motivation behind the wars in this section of the book of Alma.
According to Bruce R. McConkie, a dragon belongs to the serpent family; they are fabulous monsters, often represented as winged serpents breathing fire. Traditionally fierce and relentless in combat, it is possible that later-age concepts of them grew from memories of the pre-flood dinosaurs. In any event, the term dragon was applied with great propriety by John to Satan (Revelation 12; 13:2-4; 16:13; 20:2). As the fiercest and most dreaded of serpents, the name is certainly appropriate for the most fierce and relentlessly wicked of all beings. [Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 208]
Note* In other words, as communicated by Tom Cherrington, the true doctrine of Christ in His many roles might have been what was really at the core of these battles in the book of Alma. (Personal Communication)
Zerahemnah (notice a possible Mulekite name) had "appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and they were all Amalekites and Zoramites" (Alma 43:6). The Lamanites were "a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all those who had dissented from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests of Noah" (Alma 43:13). The Amalekites "were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves" (Alma 43:6). One might ask, Why were Nephite dissenters more intense in their hatred? Had they given their souls over to Satan? [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Alma 43:44 They did fight like dragons ([Illustration]): The massive, armored crocodile, or cayman, thrives in certain areas of the Mesoamerican lowlands. Known as cipactli among the Aztec and the imix earth monster in Mayan iconography, this symbol conveys the sense of the interior of the earth and underworld. . . . [John L. Sorenson, Images of Ancient America, p. 186]