U.S. Central Command releases results of Iraq, Syria civilian casualty assessments

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES

01.15.2016

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command announced the results of several civilian casualty assessments Jan. 15, 2016. After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances for each allegation, the preponderance of evidence indicates five separate U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, between April 12 and July 4, have likely resulted in the death of eight civilians and injuries to an additional three civilians. We deeply regret the unintentional loss of life and injuries resulting from those airstrikes and express our deepest sympathies to the victims' families and those affected.

The coalition takes all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties during the course of military operations. In all of the cases released today, assessments determined that although the air strikes complied with the law of armed conflict and all appropriate precautions were taken, civilian casualties unfortunately did occur.

We are sharing this information with the public as part of our commitment to transparency. We continue to review additional claims of civilian casualties and will provide additional information in the future.

Here is a description of the five U.S. strikes alleged to have resulted in civilian casualties and determined to be credible:

1. On April 12, 2015, near Al Huwayjah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL tactical unit, it was assessed that two unidentified civilians were killed.

2. On June 11, 2015, near Soluk, Syria, during strikes against an ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that three unidentified civilians were killed.

3. On June 19, 2015, near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria, during a strike against two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that one civilian was injured when appearing in the target area after the U.S. aircraft released its weapon.

4. On June 29, 2015, near Haditha, Iraq, during strikes against one ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that two civilians were injured. After the U.S. aircraft engaged the target and two seconds prior to impact, a car slowed in front of the ISIL vehicles while a motorcycle simultaneously passed by. The target vehicle was destroyed in the strike but there was insufficient evidence to determine the level of injuries to the civilians operating the passing car and motorcycle.

5. On July 4, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL High Value Individual, a car and a motorcycle entered the target area after the weapon was released. It is assessed three unidentified civilians were likely killed.

• Date Taken: 01.15.2016
• Date Posted: 01.15.2016 10:24
• Story ID: 186395
• Location: TAMPA, FL, US