Reuters published this article:

On Wednesday, UN war crimes investigators urged the US to conduct thorough investigations into civilian casualties caused by US air strikes in Syria to ensure that those responsible for any violations are held accountable.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry reaffirmed its “recommendation to the United States and all parties to conduct credible, independent, and impartial investigations into incidents involving civilian casualties in which their forces are involved.”

The panel demanded that Washington hold those responsible for violations accountable and make their findings public.

In November, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of a 2019 strike in the Syrian town of Baghuz that caused civilian casualties, the Pentagon said at the time.

The New York Times had reported that the strike killed up to 64 women and children, a possible war crime, during the battle against Islamic State.

The independent experts also called for easing Western sanctions on Syria to mitigate their impact on civilians who are grappling with shortages and “skyrocketing” inflation.