January 22, 2016
Release Number 20160122-04
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command announced the results of
five more civilian casualty assessments today. After a thorough review of the
facts and circumstances for each allegation, the preponderance of evidence
indicates five separate U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria, between July 4 and July
17, 2015, have likely resulted in the death of two civilians and injuries to an
additional four civilians. We deeply regret the unintentional loss of life and
injuries resulting from those strikes 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 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 July 4, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against 16 ISIL
bridges, it was assessed one civilian in a truck with a trailer was likely
killed.
2. On July 7, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against ISIL
fighters, it was assessed that a civilian was injured by a secondary explosion
and flying debris from the initial strike.
3. On July 8, 2015, near Sarmada, Syria, during a strike against a vehicle
carrying Khorasan Group Leader Muhsin al-Fadhli, it was assessed two civilians
on a motorcycle were likely injured.
4. On July 11, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during counter-ISIL strikes it was
assessed one civilian was killed. A post-strike review revealed a secondary explosion
from a vehicle crossing a bridge nearby the intended target; this explosion
resulted in one civilian likely killed.
5. On July 17, 2015, near Mosul, Iraq, during strikes against ISIL fighters
traveling in a vehicle, it was assessed one civilian was injured.