Pentagon assessment documents high civilian casualties in US strikes on Yemen

A newly released Pentagon assessment has documented a

A newly released Pentagon assessment has documented a significant number of civilian deaths resulting from the American military campaign in Yemen that began earlier this year. The internal review, conducted by the Department of Defense, details the human cost of the offensive, which was the first major combat operation undertaken after the administration restructured its approach to oversight.

The strikes were launched under the direction of President Donald Trump, marking the first use of military force following a series of organizational changes at the Pentagon. Notably, these operations came after the office dedicated to reducing civilian harm had been dissolved in a broader shake-up led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a move that drew criticism from human rights advocates and some former military officials.

The assessment, compiled from intelligence reports and battlefield data, suggests that the number of non-combatant deaths was substantially higher than initially acknowledged in public statements. While the Pentagon has not released an exact figure, the report’s findings have fueled concerns about the adequacy of precautions taken during the campaign, particularly in densely populated areas.

Officials familiar with the review say that a

Officials familiar with the review say that a portion of the deaths occurred during a series of airstrikes targeting suspected militant positions, but that subsequent analysis indicated many of those killed were civilians. The discrepancy between the initial claims and the final assessment has prompted internal debates about the effectiveness of the military’s targeting procedures, especially in the absence of the dedicated oversight unit.

The release of the report adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the administration’s national security policies, with lawmakers from both parties requesting further briefings. Critics argue that the dismantling of the civilian harm mitigation office left a critical gap in the decision-making process, while supporters of the policy maintain that it streamlined operations and allowed for more agile responses to threats.

Pentagon spokespeople have stated that the military remains committed to complying with the law of armed conflict, and that every effort is made to avoid civilian casualties. However, the assessment’s publication has intensified calls for a public accounting of the campaign’s impact, as well as for a review of the procedures that govern future strikes in conflict zones.