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