US bombs accused of killing civilians in Iraq, Syria

About 230 people were reported killed in what was thought to be a US-led coalition air strike on an ISIS-held neighbourhood in Mosul, The Independent said on March 22.  

It comes after the US-led coalition targeting the Islamic State (ISIS) is being blamed for an air strike on a school where families had sought shelter near the northern Syrian town of Raqqa, Common Dreams said on March 21.

The monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 33 people died as a result of the Raqqa strike.

In Modul, a correspondent for Rudaw said that 137 people — most believed to be civilians — died when a bomb hit a single building in al-Jadida, in the western side of the city on Thursday. Another 100 were killed nearby. 

“Some of the dead were taking shelter inside the homes,” Hevidar Ahmed said from the scene.

A spokesperson for Central Command, which coordinates US military action in Iraq, told The Independent they were aware of the loss of civilian life as reported by Rudaw and the information had been passed on to the civilian casualty team for “further investigation”.

In Syria, those using the school in the village of Mansoura as shelter “were displaced civilians from Raqqa, Aleppo, and Homs,” Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman told Agence France-Presse.

“They’re still pulling bodies out of the rubble until now,” he said. “Only two people were pulled out alive.”

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.