Iraq to probe killing of soldiers in apparent US strike

10 troops die in Fallujah in what US says appears to have been ‘a mistake that involved both sides’

File: Gunmen patrol during clashes with Iraqi security forces in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq. (AP)
File: Gunmen patrol during clashes with Iraqi security forces in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq. (AP)

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s defense minister says he has launched an investigation into the killing of 10 Iraqi soldiers in an apparent American airstrike, adding that the wrongdoers would be “punished according to Iraqi law.”

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Khalid al-Obeidi said that an officer and nine soldiers were killed in a strike a day earlier near the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which is under Islamic State control. He said he would “not neglect the blood of Iraqis.”

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter says the incident seems to be “a mistake that involved both sides.”

The US military did not release death toll figures. It says the strikes came in response to requests and information provided by security forces on the ground near Fallujah. The US says it is currently investigating.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.