Conflict

U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

CI111

Location

سنجار, Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.31871, 41.8616
Accuracy: Within 100m (via Coalition)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: I088)

In a previously unknown incident, the US confirmed in January 2016 that its aircraft had killed two civilians in a strike at Sinjar four months earlier.

According to CENTCOM, “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.”

In April 2017 the Coalition revised its position: “Sept. 24, 2015, near Sinjar, Iraq: Number 3 on the Jan. 29, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release it was reported that two civilians were killed during a strike on an ISIS vehicle. That was incorrect, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Confirmed
Civilians reported killed
1

Geolocation Notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.3206914, 41.8641115

Military Statements

U.S.-led Coalition Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S.-led Coalition
U.S.-led Coalition position on incident
Credible / Substantiated
Given reason for civilian harm
Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
Civilian deaths conceded
1
Civilian injuries conceded
None
Stated location
near Sinjar, Iraq
Location accuracy
100 m
MGRS coordinate
37SGA569231
U.S.-led Coalition Strike Report
For September 24th-25th 2015, the Coalition noted at the time only that “Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, and an ISIL fighting position.”
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2016-01-29
Original Source
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.
U.S.-led Coalition Civilian Casualty Statement
2017-04-30
Original Source
Sept. 24, 2015, near Sinjar, Iraq: Number 3 on the Jan. 29, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release it was reported that two civilians were killed during a strike on an ISIS vehicle. That was incorrect, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.