Civilian Casualties Skyrocket as Hegseth’s Doctrine Takes Hold

The latest war statistics are a grim reminder that the US military’s attempts to mitigate civilian harm have been largely abandoned under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s watch. Mounting casualties and a surge in reports of civilian deaths demonstrate the consequences of this policy shift.

Somalia and Yemen, two countries where US strikes have increased dramatically, have seen a significant spike in reported civilian casualties. The February strike on an Iranian school that killed dozens of children and teachers is a stark example of this trend. While Hegseth claims the incident is under investigation, it’s clear that the Pentagon’s “lethality” doctrine has led to a catastrophic failure to prioritize civilian protection.

The gutting of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) program is a key part of this story. Mandated by Congress in 2022, CHMR aimed to reduce civilian casualties through prevention specialists embedded within targeting teams and a culture that prioritized civilian security. Under Hegseth’s leadership, momentum halted, and the mission was effectively dismantled. Current and former personnel describe a program that had been slashed by about 90% by the time of the Iran school strike.

This shift in approach is not just a matter of bureaucratic red tape; it represents a fundamental change in how the US military approaches conflict. By discarding civilian protections, Hegseth is embracing a more aggressive posture, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term consequences. This approach has been tried before and has consistently ended in disaster.

Historically, the military’s attempts to prioritize civilian protection have followed a predictable pattern: catastrophic incident, reviews and reforms, issue recedes from view, oversight slips away. The My Lai Massacre, the Haditha killings, and the Kunduz hospital bombing are all examples of this cycle.

Ten Democratic lawmakers who sent a scathing letter to Hegseth last Sunday correctly point out that this policy shift is not only a leadership failure but also a betrayal of US law and international norms. They emphasize that the harm caused by these incidents goes far beyond the immediate victims, as militant groups exploit civilian casualties to gain recruits and support, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of violence.

Annie Shiel, U.S. director of the Center for Civilians in Conflict, notes that congressional support is critical at this moment when the CHMR mission hangs in the balance. However, it’s not just Congress that needs to act; Hegseth and the Pentagon must be held accountable for their actions. The American people deserve better than a defense secretary who prioritizes aggression over accountability.

Ultimately, it’s not about “lethality” or “effectiveness”; it’s about whether we value human life above all else. As long as Hegseth remains at the helm of the Pentagon, that value will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of short-term military gains.