Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CI103

Incident date

September 10, 2015

Location

كبيسة, Kabaisa, Al Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.59604, 42.62267 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a casualty event previously unknown to Airwars, CENTCOM confirmed on April 22nd 2016 that two civilians were killed and four injured during a US airstrike at Kubaisah.

According to the official release, “On Sept. 10, 2015, in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit, during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint, it is assessed that two civilians were killed and four were injured when their vehicle appeared in the target area after weapons were already in flight.”

A year later the Coalition issued the following correction: “Sept. 10, 2015, in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit: Number 1 on the Apr. 22, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release reported that two civilians were killed and four injured during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint. This was incorrect, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two injured.”

Secondary Airwars research uncovered three Twitter sources reporting on the incident, with one of them posting a picture of a child reportedly injured in the attack.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 33.591421, 42.612228

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child supposedly injured in the strike (via 4_001saad_omari)

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
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKC794199
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Apr 22, 2016
  • On Sept. 10, 2015, in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit, during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint, it is assessed that two civilians were killed and four were injured when their vehicle appeared in the target area after weapons were already in flight.

  • Sept. 10, 2015, in Kubaysah, Iraq, near Hit: Number 1 on the Apr. 22, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release reported that two civilians were killed and four injured during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint. This was incorrect, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]