Accessibility links

Breaking News

U.S. Says Air Strikes Outside War Zones Killed Up To 116 Civilians


U.S. airmen prepare a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone as it leaves on a mission at Kandahar Air Field in March.
U.S. airmen prepare a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone as it leaves on a mission at Kandahar Air Field in March.

The United States says it believes air strikes it conducted outside war zones killed from 64 to 116 civilians and about 2,500 members of terrorist groups from 2009 to 2015.

The total, released by the U.S. director of national intelligence, is lower than estimates by nongovernmental organizations, which range as high as 1,100 killed.

The United States says the figures it released on July 1 should be considered "in light of inherent limitations" in remote areas.

"The U.S. government remains committed to considering new, credible information regarding noncombatant deaths that may emerge and revising previous assessments, as appropriate," it said.

Most of the strikes have been carried out by drones.

Based on reporting by The New York Times and Reuters
XS
SM
MD
LG