Pentagon could have done more to prevent casualties in key Syria battle, report

A 2017 decision to encircle the Islamic State's capital at Raqqa inhibited the possibility of civilian escape corridors, a Pentagon-sponsored report found.
Aerial view of the destruction in the city of Raqqa, Syria, Nov. 7, 2021.
Aerial view of the destruction in the city of Raqqa, Syria, Nov. 7, 2021. - Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images
Jared Szuba headshot (new)
Jared Szuba
@JM_Szuba

A Pentagon-commissioned report concluded that the US military could have done more to prevent harm to civilians during the pivotal battle for the Islamic State’s (IS) capital city at Raqqa, Syria, in 2017.

A study released by the Rand Corporation March 31 said decisions by top US officials inhibited the ability of noncombatants to escape the IS-held city under heavy bombardment.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more