Several Iraqi Soldiers Killed in 'Mistaken' Airstrike by Coalition

The U.S. Secretary of Defense states that several Iraqi soldiers were killed in an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition, which involved 'mistakes from both sides.' Ash Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, mentioned on December 19 that he had a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to express his condolences. During a visit to the amphibious assault ship 'Kearsarge,' which is used in coalition battles against the group known as the Islamic State, Carter discussed the recent incident. U.S. media, which have covered this issue relatively extensively, report that this appears to be the first time Iraqi military personnel have lost their lives due to friendly fire during coalition attacks against the 'Islamic State.' The Pentagon did not specify how many Iraqi soldiers were killed in this mistaken attack, while Iraqi officials reported the death toll as 10. This mistaken attack occurred last Friday near Fallujah in western Iraq. Carter stated that such incidents can happen during a 'continuous battle.' The U.S.-led coalition claims that all its attacks are coordinated with the Iraqi government. Carter, who visited Afghanistan on Friday, is heading to Moscow to discuss the Syrian crisis with Russian officials. The U.S.-led coalition has been conducting attacks against the 'Islamic State' in Iraq and this group and other extremist groups in Syria for over a year.