US-led airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have killed at least 20 civilians and injured 11 more since fall 2015, the US military announced Friday. The deaths are part of an almost two-year campaign against Islamic State militants in the two countries.
The announcement is part of a “transparency” initiative by the military. The newly announced civilian deaths do not include 16 more announced in January.
“The Coalition takes all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties during the course of military operations,” Centcom said in an announcement. The announcement of civilian casualties is part of an internal investigation.
“Although the strikes complied with the law of armed conflict and all appropriate precautions were taken, civilian casualties unfortunately did occur.”
Since March 2014, when coalition forces began an air operation against Isis militants, coalition forces have conducted 11,000 strikes, nearly 9,000 by the US. The majority, about 5,400, have been in Iraq.
The 20 deaths announced Friday are well below tallies issued by human rights groups. For example, Airwar, an observation group, estimates that closer to 1,100 civilians have been killed. The Guardian has made formal information requests to determine how Central Command distinguishes civilians from militants, as well as any internal inquiries into civilian deaths.
No comments:
Post a Comment