U.S. military operations killed 153 civilians last year, Pentagon says
The Pentagon has acknowledged that U.S. military operations killed more than 150 civilians in 2025. The count did not include any deaths from airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
A Pentagon report released late last month revealed that U.S. military operations in 2025 resulted in the deaths of 153 civilians and injuries to over 240 people, primarily during airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The report, which did not include casualties from Caribbean and Pacific Sea boat strikes, was released as the Pentagon prosecuted a broader operation against Iran.
The report's findings are concerning, as the military did not conduct site visits or interviews to make the assessments. Instead, it relied on U.S. intelligence, imagery, and public reporting. While the Pentagon asserts its commitment to limiting harm to civilians, legal experts argue that the controversial Caribbean and Pacific Sea strikes amount to illegal extrajudicial killings.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which has been tasked with reducing civilian harm during U.S. military operations. The center has seen a significant reduction in staff and funding under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has prioritized lethality over legality.
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