20 civilians likely killed in US airstrikes in Iraq, Syria

Twenty civilians were likely killed in US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria between September and February, said the U.S. Central Command in a statement on its website on Friday.

The U.S. forces conducted nine separate airstrikes on the Islamic State (IS) targets from Sept. 10 to Feb. 2, said the statement, adding that another 11 civilians were likely injured.

The first strike, on Sept.10, bombed an IS checkpoint in Kubaysah, Iraq, leaving two civilians killed and four injured when their vehicle came into the target area during the fight, said the statement.

Another strike on a mortar fire position used by IS fight killed eight civilians in Atshanah, Iraq on October 5, according to the statement.

Three of the nine airstrikes were conducted in Syria during the period, leaving three civilians dead with no injuries reported.

The U.S. central command added that all the strikes complied with the law of armed conflict.

Source: XINHUA