UN war crimes panel urges US to conduct thorough probe into casualties of airstrikes in Syria

UN war crimes investigators urged the United States on Wednesday to carry out thorough probes into civilian casualties caused by US airstrikes in Syria to ensure that those responsible for any violations are held to account.

The UN Commission of Inquiry reiterated a "recommendation to the United States and all parties to conduct credible, independent and impartial investigations into incidents entailing civilian casualties in which their forces are implicated".

The panel called on Washington to ensure those responsible for violations are held accountable and to make their findings public.

In November, US 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 the Islamic State group. 

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.