April 22, 2016
Release Number 20160422-09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA,
Fla. — U.S. Central Command announced the results of several civilian
casualty assessments today. After a thorough review of the facts and
circumstances for each allegation, the preponderance of evidence
indicates nine separate U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, between Sept.
10, 2015 and Feb. 2, 2016, have likely resulted in the death of 20
civilians and injuries to an additional 11 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 nine U.S. strikes alleged to have resulted in civilian casualties and determined to be credible:
1.
On Sept. 10, 2015, in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit, during a strike on an
ISIL checkpoint, it is assessed that two civilians were killed and four
were injured when their vehicle appeared in the target area after
weapons were already in flight.
2. On Oct. 5, 2015, in
Atshanah, Iraq, near Al Huwayjah, during a strike on ISIL personnel, it
is assessed that eight civilians were killed during a strike on a mortar
fire position used by enemy fighters.
3. On Nov. 4, 2015, in
Al Huwayjah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed
that two civilians were injured. The incident occurred when, after
weapons were already in flight, the ISIL vehicle unexpectedly pulled off
the side of the road near a building where two civilians were standing.
4. On Nov. 12, 2015, in Ramadi, Iraq, during a strike targeting ISIL fighters, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.
5.
On Dec. 10, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Siful
Sujan, an ISIL external operations planner, it was assessed that one
civilian was killed.
6. On Dec. 12, 2015, in Ramadi, Iraq,
during a strike on ISIL personnel at a suspected ISIL checkpoint, it is
assessed that five civilians were killed after they unexpectedly moved
into the target location after weapons were already in flight.
7.
On Dec. 24, 2015, in Tishreen, Syria, near Manbij, during a strike on
two ISIL fighters in a vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian on a
motorcycle was killed riding up to the target area after weapons were
already in flight.
8. On Jan. 11, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq,
during a strike on five ISIL individuals guarding an ISIL cash
distribution station, it is assessed that one civilian was killed and
five were injured.
9. On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria,
near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that
one civilian was killed after unexpectedly driving into the target area
after weapons were already in flight.