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Press Release | April 13, 2017

Misdirected strike results in partnered force casualties

CJTFOIR

April 13, 2017
Release # 20170413-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA — A Coalition air strike in support of partnered forces fighting ISIS south of Tabqah, Syria, resulted in 18 Syrian Democratic Forces personnel killed April 11.

The strike was requested by the partnered forces, who had identified the target location as an ISIS fighting position.  The target location was actually a forward Syrian Democratic Forces fighting position.

The Coalition's deepest condolences go out to the members of the SDF and their families.  The Coalition is in close contact with our SDF partners who have expressed a strong desire to remain focused on the fight against ISIS despite this tragic incident.

The Coalition is assessing the cause of the incident and will implement appropriate safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.