Airwars assessment
In the final stages of the fight against ISIS in its last territorial stronghold in Al-Baghouz, an alleged Coalition shelling killed at least 16 civilians in the evening of February 11th. Local sources reported that among the victims were seven children, eight women and one elderly man.
One local source alleged that most of the victims were family members of combatants who were targeted as they tried to flee towards the Iraqi border.
No other details are known at this time.
The incident occured around dusk.
Summary
Sources (15) [ collapse]
Geolocation notes (0) [ collapse]
US-led Coalition Assessment:
Original strike reports
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019.
ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict.
“This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.”
Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.