"All right, you four," you announce to the thugs, who are rapidly drawing their weapons as you speak. "You should know that the Brigade over there is not as stupid as you think. In fact, they are fully aware of your little talk here and will attack you all if I say the word." The thugs look doubtful. "How can you be so sure?" one of them says. You risk a quick glance over your shoulder and discover that the few people you presume to constitute the Brigade are, in fact, not only in view, but are actually fully armed and look prepared to attack. "Look behind me," you say. The thugs do and begin to look concerned.
Exploit the thugs' concern to make them run away. Press your advantage to get the thugs to surrender. Point out how gullible the armed men facing you are. That can't possibly cause any trouble.