Amnesty International Urges US-Led Coalition to Protect Civilians in Mosul

Amnesty International has urged the US-led coalition to protect civilians during the battles against the so-called Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq. In a statement on April 7, the organization noted that up to 150 civilians have been killed in a recent airstrike in Mosul. Following initial reports and statements from coalition officials indicating they were investigating an airstrike, US officials confirmed that coalition forces conducted an airstrike in western Mosul on March 17 (27 Esfand). Reports indicate that this location was where eyewitnesses claim at least 100 civilians died as a result of the strike. US officials have not confirmed reports of civilian casualties in the area but announced the initiation of an investigation. In a statement released by the US-led coalition on April 5, it was stated that the airstrike was conducted at the request of Iraqi security forces to target fighters and equipment of the group known as the "Islamic State." According to another report from the site, a vehicle filled with explosives was targeted near buildings where civilians were present, and the explosion apparently led to the destruction of civilian shelters. General Joseph Votel, commander of US Central Command, described the civilian deaths in Mosul as a "horrific tragedy" and stated, "We are investigating this incident and want to know exactly what happened." Amnesty International now states that "the available evidence points to alarming signs of airstrikes by the US-led coalition that have resulted in the complete destruction of homes where entire Iraqi families were present." According to Amnesty International, any negligence in precautionary measures to prevent civilian deaths could constitute "a violation of international humanitarian law." Reuters reported on Monday that following the deaths of several civilians in Mosul, coalition forces are seeking to change their strategies in operations against ISIS in the city. Operations in Mosul began in October of last year and are currently focused on the most crowded areas of the city in its older western sections. The United Nations reports that hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in these areas. The organization and human rights observers have previously expressed concern about the situation of civilians, potential casualties, their use as human shields by ISIS, and the displacements caused by the conflicts.