Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CI134

Incident date

November 4, 2015

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.31426, 43.75913 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 injured during a US airstrike at Huwaijah.

According to the official release, “On Nov. 4, 2015, in Al Huwayjah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that two civilians were injured. The incident occurred when, after weapons were already in flight, the ISIL vehicle unexpectedly pulled off the side of the road near a building where two civilians were standing.”

At the time, local sources had reported a heavy air raid on central Hawijah, with one noting “God save the civilians.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this incident, 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 35.3240179, 43.77335

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A local source reporting strikes in the surrounding area

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
    2
  • Stated location
    in Al Huwayjah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE872086
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 22, 2016
  • On Nov. 4, 2015, in Al Huwayjah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that two civilians were injured. The incident occurred when, after weapons were already in flight, the ISIL vehicle unexpectedly pulled off the side of the road near a building where two civilians were standing.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Al Huwayjah, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]