PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 29, 2016
Jan. 29: U.S. Central Command releases results of Iraq and Syria civilian casualty assessments
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.