WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military is acknowledging that its airstrikes killed 20 civilians in Iraq and Syria over a five-month period that began last September.
Central Command announced the results of multiple investigations of claims of civilian deaths from airstrikes aimed at Islamic State targets between Sept. 10, 2015, and Feb. 2, 2016. Six of the strikes were in Iraq and three were in Syria.
In a statement, Central Command says it deeply regrets the unintentional loss of life and injuries. It said it takes all “feasible” precautions to avoid civilian casualties during airstrikes.
Since the start of U.S. airstrikes in 2014, the U.S. has acknowledged a total of 41 civilian deaths in Iraq and Syria.
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