January 29, 2016
Release Number 20160129-05
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command
announced the results of four more civilian casualty assessments today. After a
thorough review of the facts and circumstances for each allegation, the
preponderance of evidence indicates four separate U.S. strikes in Iraq and
Syria, between July 27 and Oct. 15, 2015, have likely resulted in the death of
five civilians and injuries to an additional eight 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 four U.S. strikes alleged to have resulted in
civilian casualties and determined to be credible:
1. On July 27, 2015, near Ash Sharqat, Iraq, during strikes against ISIL
vehicles, it was assessed one civilian was injured.
2. On Aug. 13, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Junaid
Hussain, an ISIL cyber-operative, it was assessed three civilians in the
vicinity of the strikes were killed and five more were injured.
3. On Sept. 24, 2015, near Sinjar, Iraq, during strikes against an ISIL
vehicle, it was assessed two civilians were killed. An assessed enemy combatant
on a motorcycle was targeted for engagement. Weapons were released while the
target was stopped at an intersection; however, another vehicle approached
after weapons were in flight. Both the motorcycle and the vehicle were
destroyed.
4. On Oct. 15, 2015, near Tal Afar, Iraq, during strikes against ISIL Sharia Judge
Mullah Maysar, it was assessed two civilians were injured when the targeted
vehicle veered into oncoming traffic.