The U.S.
Central Command investigation into a coalition airstrike on an Islamic State of
Iraq and the Levant checkpoint near al Hatra, Iraq, in March has determined
that four people killed in the strike were civilians, the Centcom spokesman told
reporters via teleconference today.
The finding
that an airstrike likely killed four noncombatants is based on a “preponderance
of evidence” gathered during the investigation, Air Force Col. Patrick Ryder said.
“We sincerely
regret the unintentional loss of lives and continue to keep those families
affected in our thoughts,” Ryder said.
Drivers Stayed at Checkpoint
Two vehicles
approached the ISIL checkpoint within the target area and the drivers
approached and interacted with ISIL checkpoint personnel for about 40 minutes
while other vehicles passed through the gate, he said.
Aircrews reported
the activity to the Combined Air Operations center, and based on observations,
aircrew and operations center personnel determined the checkpoint, vehicles and
personnel were lawful targets, Ryder said.
The ISIL
checkpoint target was thoroughly reviewed and validated prior to the strike, he
emphasized.
“The target
engaged was a valid military target and the [Law of Armed Conflict] principles
of military necessity, proportionality and distinction were observed,” Ryder
said.
According to
the investigation, all ordnance functioned properly and the airstrike accurately
destroyed the intended target, and both vehicles at the checkpoint were hit.
Then-U.S. Air
Forces Central Command commander Air Force Lt. Gen. John Hesterman III directed
the investigation into the allegations April 20, and approved the findings June
28, the release indicated.
The summary
also indicated video footage later revealed “the aircrew had no opportunity
detect the presence of the likely civilians in the target area prior to the
weapons impact.”
The
investigation’s conclusion was consistent with the “operational presumption”
that unidentified individuals are civilians/noncombatants unless an analysis of
the facts and circumstances shows they meet the definition of a ‘hostile force,’”
according to the summary.
“All
reasonable measures were taken to avoid unintended deaths of, or injuries to,
non-combatants by reviewing the targets thoroughly prior to the engagement,”
Ryder said, adding, “[We] continue to take all reasonable measures against the
targeting process to reduce the potential for civilian casualties or collateral
damage.”
The redacted
report of the investigation is available at USCENTCOM's Freedom of Information
Act Reading Room at http://go.usa.gov/cT6tk.
(Follow Terri
Moon Cronk on Twitter: @MoonCronkDoD)