Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CI868

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Location

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.393277, 40.984755 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In December 2017, the Coalition reported having unintentionally killed a civilian in an event previously unreported by Airwars.

It stated: “Oct. 10, 2017 near Al Qaim, Iraq via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed a building being used as an ISIS headquarters it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured when they inadvertently crossed into the blast area.”

Coalition officials told Airwars this incident occurred at the location 37SFU824075 (Military grid reference with 100 m accuracy) which placed the event in the Al Rashid neighbourhood of Al Qaim.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU824075
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • During a Coalition strike which destroyed a building being used as an ISIS headquarters it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured when they inadvertently crossed into the blast area.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]