PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 22, 2016
Jan 22: CENTCOM releases results of Iraq and Syria civilian casualty assessments
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.