The U.S. Department of Defense said: “The Department of Defense estimates that in 2021, about 12 civilians were killed and about 5 civilians were injured as a result of U.S. military operations.”

In his annual report on civilian casualties, he noted that “the Department of Defense received four credible reports of civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2021, resulting in 12 deaths and two injured.” The United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 at the behest of President Joe Biden, leading to the country’s rapid takeover by the Taliban.

The report also states that “US Africa Command estimates that three civilians were also injured in an airstrike in Somalia in January.” US government estimates may differ from those of NGOs and other groups due to differences in methodology.

The report also states: “The Department of Defense continues to evaluate three reports of civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria under the Joint Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. The United States is responding to civilian casualties by admitting responsibility by providing medical assistance or making payments, and the only payment was made in 2021 for an incident in Herat, Afghanistan, in January, according to the report.