March 26, 2017
RELEASE # 20170326-01;
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla.—The following statement is from Gen. Joseph Votel, Commander, U.S. Central Command:
"The death of innocent civilians in Mosul is a terrible tragedy. We are investigating the incident to determine exactly what happened and will continue to take extraordinary measures to avoid harming civilians.
“While Iraq’s security forces are making measurable progress, the fight in Mosul is a difficult one, and particularly because the enemy operates amongst the civilian population. Recognizing this, the Iraqi ground forces and the Coalition forces supporting them, have taken deliberate actions to minimize unnecessary suffering.
“While I am confident ISIS will be defeated, there is tough fighting still ahead and we will continue to prioritize the protection of the people of Iraq in the conduct of all operations.”