Inquiry Regarding Investigations Into Allegations Of Civilian Harm In Iraq
ceu'rcom AFB CENTCOM HQ Mallbox Medla nesk-- Wedi Nov 2, zeta at

1 01 PM
To Amt Khan--
Ms Khani

My apologies for the title error

US, and Coalition lorces work very hard to be precise in airstrikes' and are conducting one at the most precise air
campaigns in military history US, and lorces take all reasonable measures during the target planning and
execulion ol lo mitigate risks In non-combatants, and lo comply with the Law 01 Armed ills Important to
note that the current environment in Syria and Iraq makes investigating these allegations extremely challenging
Traditional investigative methods, such as inlel'VieWirig witnesses and examining the Sllei are not typically available in iraq
and Syria However we review all informallon available to us related to each strike in question, We also consider
inlormation provided to us by various external resources. We are committed to inlorming the public ol the results or those
reviews as soon as we are able as pan of our broader commitment to transparency Allegations come lrorri various
sources including our own internal reviews and unit sell-reponing, media reports, non-governmental organizations or
other 5 Government depanmenls and agences such as the State Department (which has received reports otcivilian
casualties through its contacts in Syria and Iraq) We maintain positive relationships with these organizations and they are
aware clour receptivity to their reports or civilian casualty allegations to us A non-credible allegation is a general
allegation made Without the support otany corroborating inlormatioh. An allegation is determined to be credible it it can
be confirmed by a preponderance ollhe evidence (more likely than not) that the death or iniury was caused by coalition
personnel or actions, The key to evaluating the credibility olan allegation is considering all relevant inlormation and tacts
related to the allegation, This inlormation includes a review or our strike log review at intelligence related to the strike
and a review cl all available slalernentsi videos' pholographs, and other documenlatlon relaled lo the allegation, A
common example or a non--credlbie allegation is an allegation received alleging a strike at a spectfic location and date,
thatwhen reviewed shows no Coalition airstrikes at or near the alleged location or occurring on or near the alleged dale.

Respectlully,

Shane Huff, Maior USAF
Media Operations

Central Command Communication inteiralion Directorate