BIG OOPS

U.S.-Led Coalition: Sorry for Bombing Iraqi Troops

Officials say up to 10 Iraqis may have died.

The U.S.-led coalition issued a formal apology on Friday after the Iraqi Defense Ministry earlier that day said that coalition planes had struck and killed as many as 10 Iraqi soldiers. This was the first reported instance of friendly fire since the coalition began striking Islamic State targets in Iraq last year. In a statement, the coalition offered “condolences on the unfortunate loss of life of brave Iraq security forces on the front lines.” And “despite coordination with the Iraqi security forces on the ground,” the statement read, “initial reports indicate the possibility the strikes resulted in the death of Iraqi soldiers.” The coalition also said that it will thoroughly investigate the incident.