Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CI586

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Location

Mosul, Matahin, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336294, 43.092985 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian near Mosul, Iraq.

The June 2017 civilian casualty report noted, “March 28, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike to crater roads used by ISIS VBIEDs against Iraqi Security Forces, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after the munition was released.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to a one metre box.

We were initially unsure whether this event was linked to CI585, however, in July 2019 the Coalition enabled us to clarify that they are in fact separate incidents.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2884822937
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017
  • March 28, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike to crater roads used by ISIS VBIEDs against Iraqi Security Forces, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 27th-28th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three mortar systems, two VBIEDs, a tactical vehicle, an artillery system, a VBIED facility, and a vehicle; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units and two ISIS mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]