The number of civilian casualties investigated by the Defense Department is far lower than what watchdog groups have also reported.
WASHINGTON — The American military killed 120 civilians in strikes, raids and firefights across two continents in 2018, the Pentagon said Thursday — a far lower number than what watchdog groups previously have reported.
The Defense Department’s annual report to Congress said 42 civilians were killed in Iraq and Syria during military operations against the Islamic State, and 76 in Afghanistan as American troops fought extremist groups and resurgent Taliban militants.
The Pentagon also acknowledged that two civilians were killed in Somalia; last month, officials first acknowledged the casualties after being confronted with evidence compiled by Amnesty International.
Thursday’s report concluded there were no civilians killed in Yemen during American airstrikes against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State affiliates there.
The report highlighted the enduring expanse of American combat operations since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,2001, and the increasing tally of civilians killed as the United States continues to combat Islamic extremism.
