The Syrian Network for Human Rights detailed in their report that since the airstrikes began on September 23, the civilian death toll has reached 103 people, including 11 women and 11 children.
Most of those were killed in the bombing of a building used as an IS prison in the northern Syrian town of Al Bab, in which 51 civilians were killed, the report states. A further 29 perished in a bombing campaign targeting small locally run oil refineries, reports McClatchyDC, citing the report.
Despite the claims, which were substantiated in the report by witness statements, alongside video footage, statements from families, and the names of the victims, the Network’s director Fadel Abdul Ghani wrote in the report’s introduction, CENTCOM refuses to acknowledge the deaths.
“Regrettably the alliance forces’ Central Command denies that civilians have been killed by alliance forces,” Ghani wrote.
“There should be serious pursuit and investigation to hold the responsible accountable” and to compensate families of victims, so as to distinguish the US-led alliance from “the lines of totalitarian dictatorships.”
CENTCOM did not confirm the December 28 strike on Al Bab until two weeks later, and did so only after being questioned by McClatchy.
After the publication reported on the Al Bab bombing, including that 51 civilians were killed, CENTCOM reviewed the allegations and determined them to be “not credible.”
“If there is new, substantive information provided to us regarding Al Bab, we welcome it and will certainly review,” CENTCOM spokesman Colonel Patrick S. Ryder said.
The Network has offered to give information to investigators without giving the names of the deceased civilians out of concern for their families, many of whom still live in Al Bab under IS control.
The report also noted the targeting of oil wells and refineries, which CENTCOM argues is fundamental in its effort to “degrade and ultimately defeat” IS, leads to the severe economic crisis, fuel shortages and higher prices for Syrian civilians.
“There is no choice for the people there to get the resources to live, and we are highly concerned that this policy will lead to more casualties if the coalition forces continue,” it said.
