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Department of Defense

Annual Report on Civilian Casualties in Connection With United 

States Military Operations in 2022

Submitted pursuant to Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 

Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91), as amended

The estimated cost of this report or study for the Department of Defense is approximately $2,660 in Fiscal 

Years 2023 - 2024. This includes $25 in expenses and $2,630 in DoD labor.

Generated on 2024Mar12 RefID: 0-58E1719
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Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-

91), as amended and codified as a note to 10 U.S.C. § 113, provides: 

Annual Report on Civilian Casualties in Connection With 

United States Military Operations

(a) ANNUAL REPORT REQUIRED – Not later than May 1 each year, the Secretary of 

Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on civilian casualties 

caused as a result of United States military operations during the preceding year.

(b) ELEMENTS – Each report under subsection (a) shall set forth the following:

(1) A list of all the United States military operations, including each specific 

mission, strike, engagement, raid, or incident, during the year covered by such report that 

resulted in civilian casualties that have been confirmed or are reasonably suspected to 

have occurred. 

(2) For each military operation listed pursuant to paragraph (1), each of the 

following: 

(A) The date. 

(B) The location, including to the extent practicable, the closest town, city, or 

identifiable place. 

(C) An identification of whether the operation occurred inside or outside of a 

declared theater of active armed conflict. 

(D) The type of operation, including the specific justification or use of 

authority for each strike conducted. 

(E) An assessment of the number of civilian and enemy combatant casualties, 

including a differentiation between those killed and those injured.

(3) A description of the process by which the Department of Defense investigates 

allegations of civilian casualties resulting from United States military operations, 

including how the Department incorporates information from interviews with witnesses, 

civilian survivors of United States operations, and public reports or other 

nongovernmental sources.

(4) A description of –

(A) Steps taken by the Department to mitigate harm to civilians in conducting 

such operations; and
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(B) In the case of harm caused by such an operation to a civilian, any ex 

gratia payment or other assistance provided to the civilian or the family of the 

civilian.

(5) A description of any allegations of civilian casualties made by public or nongovernmental sources formally investigated by the Department of Defense.

(6) A description of the general reasons for any discrepancies between the 

assessments of the United States and reporting from nongovernmental organizations 

regarding non-combatant deaths resulting from strikes and operations undertaken by the 

United States.

(7) The definitions of ‘combatant’ and ‘noncombatant’ used in the preparation of 

the report, which shall be consistent with the laws of armed conflict.

(8) Any update or modification to any report under this section during a previous 

year.

(9) Any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines are relevant. 

(c) USE OF SOURCES – In preparing a report under this section, the Secretary of 

Defense shall take into account relevant and credible all-source reporting, including information 

from public reports and nongovernmental sources. 

(d) FORM – Each report under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but 

may include a classified annex. The unclassified form of each report shall, at a minimum, be 

responsive to each element under subsection (b) of a report under subsection (a), and shall be 

made available to the public at the same time it is submitted to Congress (unless the Secretary 

certifies in writing that the publication of such information poses a threat to the national security 

interests of the United States).

(e) SUNSET – The requirement to submit a report under subsection (a) shall expire on 

the date that is seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
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Department of Defense Report on Civilian Casualties in 

Connection With United States Military Operations in 2022

This report is submitted pursuant to Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act 

(NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 (Public Law 115-91), as amended and codified as a note to 

10 U.S.C. § 113 (“Section 1057”). 

This report primarily provides information about U.S. military operations in 2022. This report

also contains updates to information DoD previously reported to the congressional defense 

committees pursuant to Section 1057. 

Some of the information provided in prior reports about U.S. military operations in 2017-2021

has been repeated in this report because the information was relevant to U.S. military operations 

in 2022. 

This report is publicly available at Defense.gov.

As noted in Section 1 of Executive Order 13732 of July 1, 2016, United States Policy on Preand Post-Strike Measures To Address Civilian Casualties in U.S. Operations Involving the Use 

of Force, and as Secretary Austin stated in his January 27, 2022, memorandum, “Improving 

Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response,” the protection of civilians is fundamentally consistent 

with the effective, efficient, and decisive use of force in pursuit of U.S. national interests. DoD’s

efforts to mitigate and respond to civilian harm are a direct reflection of U.S. values; these efforts 

respond to strategic and moral imperatives. Minimizing civilian casualties can further mission 

objectives; help maintain the support of partner governments and vulnerable populations, 

especially during counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations; and enhance the legitimacy 

and sustainability of U.S. operations critical to U.S. national security. 

On August 25, 2022, DoD released the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan 

(CHMR-AP) through which the Secretary of Defense directed a series of major actions DoD will 

implement to ensure that the U.S. military is prepared to mitigate and respond to civilian harm in 

future conflicts. On December 21, 2023, DoD released the Department of Defense Instruction 

on CHMR.

The U.S. military is steadfastly committed to limiting harm to civilians, and DoD has built a 

strong foundation of compliance with the law of war. As a matter of policy, U.S. forces 

routinely conduct operations under policy standards that are more protective of civilians than is 

required by the law of war, and we are committed to continuing to improve our approach to 

civilian harm mitigation and response. This commitment is reflected in DoD’s consistent efforts 

to maintain and promote best practices that reduce the likelihood of civilian harm, take 

appropriate steps when harm occurs, and draw lessons from DoD operations to enhance further 

the protection of civilians. Section 2 of Executive Order 13732 catalogues certain best practices 

DoD has implemented to protect civilians during armed conflict, and directs those measures be 

continued in present and future operations. During 2022, all operations were conducted 

consistent with the best practices identified in Section 2 of Executive Order 13732. 
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I. U.S. MILITARY OPERATIONS DURING 2022 CONFIRMED, OR 

REASONABLY SUSPECTED, TO HAVE RESULTED IN CIVILIAN 

CASUALTIES

During 2022, U.S. forces remained engaged in a number of military operations, but DoD has 

assessed that U.S. military operations in 2022 resulted in no civilian casualties. This report 

contains updates to information submitted to Congress in previous year’s annual Section 1057 

reports, based on reports of civilian casualties from U.S. military operations in 2018-2021 that 

have since been received and assessed. 

Previous reports used the term “a declared theater of active armed conflict,” in the way that term 

was understood at the time in the context of 10 U.S.C. § 130f. Title 10 U.S.C. § 130f has since 

been amended and no longer includes the term “a declared theater of active armed conflict.” The 

term “a declared theater of active armed conflict” is also not defined in relevant DoD doctrine. 

For the purposes of this report, U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Syria

in 2022 and relevant prior years are considered to have occurred in “a declared theater of active 

armed conflict.” Thus, all U.S. military operations and particular instances listed below occurred 

in what previous reports would describe as a declared theater of active armed conflict.

For each mission, strike, engagement, raid, or incident during previous years that was assessed to 

result in civilian casualties, DoD has provided in a classified annex to this report the assessed 

numbers of enemy combatant casualties. The number of enemy combatant casualties does not 

necessarily indicate the effectiveness of the strike itself. 

DoD’s longstanding policy is to comply with the law of war in all armed conflicts, however 

characterized. DoD conducts its operations in accordance with law of war requirements, 

including law of war protections for civilians, such as the fundamental principles of distinction 

and proportionality, and the requirement to take feasible precautions in planning and conducting 

attacks to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and other persons and objects that may not be made 

the object of an attack.

As noted above, DoD has assessed that there were no civilians killed and no civilians injured as a 

result of U.S. military operations in 2022. 

This report addresses only civilian casualties attributed to the use of U.S.-operated weapons. For 

example, if a munition fired from a U.S. aircraft resulted in civilian casualties, the civilian 

casualties would be included in this report even if the particular airstrike was planned by a staff 

composed of personnel from multiple nations participating in coalition efforts and was guided to 

the target by a foreign Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

The numbers of civilian casualties provided below are based on assessments of civilian 

casualties in which DoD has been able to conclude that, based on the available information, it is 

more likely than not that civilian casualties occurred. Section II of this report describes in more 

detail the processes for conducting these assessments.
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It is also important to note DoD’s efforts to prevent and respond to civilian harm resulting from 

U.S. military operations. On January 27, 2022, the Secretary of Defense directed several 

elements of the Department to develop the CHMR-AP. The CHMR-AP, which was released on 

August 25, 2022, outlines the steps the Department will take, and the resources that will be 

required, to implement appropriate recommendations from recently-completed studies of civilian 

harm sponsored by DoD, DoD Office of the Inspector General evaluations, and independent 

reviews directed into strikes that resulted in civilian casualties. The CHMR-AP makes critical 

contributions to the Department’s efforts to protect innocent civilians. Notably, through the 

CHMR-AP, DoD will ensure that the U.S. military is prepared to mitigate and respond to civilian 

harm in future conflicts, including by integrating civilian protection into mission objectives from 

the start; prioritizing the protection and restoration of the civilian environment as much as the 

situation allows; ensuring that operational commanders are fully supported with institutional 

resources, tools, and capabilities; aligning information collection priorities to best achieve 

mission success; assessing and learning from our operations; and appropriately responding to 

civilians harmed as a result of our operations.

A. Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and other U.S. military actions related to Iraq 

and Syria. 

Combined Joint Task Force–Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (CJTF-OIR) has maintained 

pressure on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as “Daesh,” to ensure the 

group’s enduring defeat in Iraq and Syria by working with and through local partner forces. 

CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat 

Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria. 

The mission of the Coalition has shifted from a mission of combat to one of support for our 

partner forces through advising, assisting, and enabling at the operational and strategic level.

CJTF-OIR works closely with local, regional, and international actors in Iraq, and designated 

areas of Syria, to help bring stability to conflict affected areas and to work towards enduring 

security partnerships. 

CJTF-OIR receives reports of civilian casualties from military ground units and aircrews, as well 

as from a variety of sources, such as traditional media organizations, social media, private 

individuals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). CJTF-OIR carefully reviews reports 

of civilian casualties, regardless of their source.

In 2022, CJTF-OIR received 14 reports of potential civilian casualty incidents occurring in 2022, 

including 13 reports from non-governmental sources (12 from AirWars and 1 from Sabereen).

All 14 of those reports have been assessed, and, based on the available information, CJTF-OIR 

has concluded that it is more likely than not that civilian casualties did not result from U.S. 

military operations in the reported incident. For example, this would be the case if U.S. military 

operations were not conducted at the reported time or place or if the reported casualties related to 

the incident were assessed to be enemy combatants rather than civilians. 
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This report lists only reports of civilian casualties attributed to U.S. forces. Information in this 

report may not match publicly available information released by U.S. Central Command 

(USCENTCOM) and CJTF-OIR. This is because CJTF-OIR, as a matter of strategy and policy, 

considers all civilian casualties to be the combined result of “Coalition” action and not of a 

single nation. 

CJTF-OIR routinely receives new reports of civilian casualties related to U.S. combat operations 

from prior years, assesses reports that were not completed in the previous years, and re-considers 

previous assessments if new relevant information is discovered. The following table provides 

information on additional civilian casualties to supplement what was reported in previous 

Section 1057 reports. This table is based upon additional assessments that were completed since 

last year’s report:

Date of 

Incident

Location Operation 

Type

Civilians 

Injured

Civilians 

Killed

1 03 DEC 21 Idlib, Idlib Province, Syria Air 6 0

2 28 JUN 21 Al Qa’im, Dayr az Zawr

Province, Syria

Air 0 1 

3 10 JAN 19 Ash Shajilah, Dayr az Zawr

Province, Syria

Air 2-3* 1

4 04 JUN 18 Al Helo, Al-Hasakah

Province, Syria

Air 0 12

5 27 MAY 18 Al Soussa, Dayr az Zawr 

Province, Syria

Air 2 2

6 06 FEB 18 Al Sha’afa, Dayr az Zawr 

Province, Syria

Air 0 2

TOTAL 11* 18

* Indicates upper bound estimate of civilian casualties

B. U.S. military actions in Africa

The United States is one of several countries providing whole of government support – including

humanitarian aid, stabilization efforts, economic development, and military assistance – to the 

Federal Government of Somalia. U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) overarching strategic 

goal in Somalia is to train, advise, and assist our partner forces to give them the tools they need 

to defeat al-Shabaab, thereby increasing regional stability. USAFRICOM contributes to multinational efforts to disrupt violent extremist organizations (VEOs) while conducting direct actions 

to disrupt VEOs that threaten U.S persons, the U.S. Homeland and U.S. facilities. In East Africa, 

USAFRICOM capabilities support and enable the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia 

(ATMIS) and the multi-national effort to defeat al-Shabaab and build sustainable security in 

Somalia as outlined in the 2017 London Security Pact.

USAFRICOM assesses or investigates all reports of civilian casualties, regardless of their source, 

in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Africa Command Instruction (ACI) for civilian 
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casualty assessments. USAFRICOM assessed that there were no civilian casualties resulting 

from U.S. military operations in their area of responsibility in 2022.

II. DOD PROCESSES FOR ASSESSING REPORTS OF CIVILIAN 

CASUALTIES FROM U.S. MILITARY OPERATIONS

As reflected in Section 2 of Executive Order 13732, United States Policy on Pre- and Post-Strike 

Measures To Address Civilian Casualties in U.S. Operations Involving the Use of Force, of 

July 1, 2016, the U.S. military, as appropriate and consistent with mission objectives and 

applicable law, including the law of war, has a practice of reviewing or investigating incidents 

involving civilian casualties, including by considering relevant information from all available 

sources, such as other agencies, partner governments, and NGOs, and taking measures to 

mitigate the likelihood of future incidents of civilian casualties. 

When assessing reports of civilian casualties, DoD considers whether any members of the 

civilian population were injured or killed as a direct result of U.S. military operations. For the 

purposes of such assessments, DoD does not include members of the civilian population who 

have forfeited the protections of civilian status by engaging in hostilities. Information about 

different classes of persons under the law of war, including “civilians” and “combatants,” can be 

found in Chapter IV of the DoD Law of War Manual (June 2015, Updated July 2023), which is 

available at https://ogc.osd.mil/Portals/99/Law%20of%20War%202023/DOD-LAW-OF-WARMANUAL-JUNE-2015-UPDATEDJULY%202023.pdf?ver=Qbxamfouw4znu1I7DVMcsw%3d%3d. 

Over the past several years, DoD has continued to refine its practices and procedures for 

reviewing reports of civilian casualties. Under current practices and procedures, the relevant 

command or another entity identified by the command (such as a special board or team) seeks to 

assess all reports of civilian casualties that may have resulted from the command’s operations 

once reports become known. The command or entity considers reports available from any 

source, including after-action reporting of military units, and information provided by external 

sources, such as NGOs, the news media, social media, and individuals who were present during 

the operation, including military personnel and local civilians. In assessing the report, the 

command or entity seeks to review all readily available information from a variety of sources

and may seek additional information that is not readily available, for example by searching social 

media and conducting interviews. Sources of information may include, but are not limited to, 

operational planning data and reporting, video surveillance and other data from Intelligence 

Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, witness observations (including those of 

partnered forces) where available, news reports, and information provided by NGOs and other 

sources, such as local officials or social media. In reviewing the report, the command or entity 

seeks to assess whether civilian casualties more likely than not occurred.

Specific processes for reviewing or investigating incidents have varied over the years. DoD has, 

at times, used different processes due to host nation requests, different mission objectives, 

different operational designs, different available resources, and different organizational designs 

and command relationships within various areas of responsibility. As just one example, some 

commands do not have access to areas on the ground where civilian casualties may have 
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occurred. Commands also work to improve their processes over time and adapt to the everchanging fog and friction of war. 

While assessment and investigation processes may remain tailorable by Combatant Command 

(CCMD) and by operation, in accordance with the CHMR-AP, DoD is in the process of

establishing standardized Department-wide procedures for assessing and investigating civilian 

harm resulting from operations, and will expand the sources of information used in assessments 

and investigations. The CHMR-AP further directs establishment of Civilian Harm Assessment 

and Investigation Coordinators at CCMDs and other appropriate operational commands, the 

creation of Civilian Harm Assessment Cells, and the incorporation of standardized procedures 

into applicable doctrine, training, and exercises. 

Under current practices and procedures, after reviewing the available information, a responsible 

official assesses whether it is more likely than not that civilians were injured or killed as a result 

of U.S. military operations. Commands use terms such as “substantiated” and “unsubstantiated”

or “credible” and “not credible” to describe the report of civilian casualties, but all assessments 

apply the “more likely than not” standard. 

When civilian casualties are assessed to have more likely than not occurred, the assessment 

further estimates the number of civilian casualties that occurred and differentiates whether they 

were injured or killed. On the other hand, a report of civilian casualties would not result in 

assessment that civilian casualties more likely than not occurred if, for example, (1) there was no 

U.S. military action within a reasonable distance and/or within a reasonable timeframe as that

identified in the report; (2) the report provides insufficient information to identify a location or 

date of the incident; or (3) a review of all reasonably available information, including operational 

data and reporting, video surveillance, other data from ISR assets, information derived through 

multiple sources of intelligence, publicly available information, and any information provided in 

the report, leads to the assessment that it is more likely than not that civilian casualties did not 

occur as a result of U.S. military operations. As directed by the CHMR-AP, the recently released

DoD Instruction on CHMR includes a standardized process for civilian harm assessments, 

adaptable and scalable to different types of operations, and defines the responsibilities of civilian 

harm assessment cells.

If warranted, a commander or other responsible official may direct a more extensive review or 

investigation to find additional facts about the incident and to make relevant recommendations, 

such as identifying process improvements to reduce the likelihood of future civilian casualty 

incidents. Command-directed investigations are conducted in accordance with applicable 

Military Department procedures, such as Army Regulation 15-6 or procedures for an Air Force 

Commander-Directed Investigation. As directed by the CHMR-AP, a multi-service issuance will 

be developed in the near term that will include: (1) qualification requirements for investigating 

officers; (2) procedures for developing investigative plans; (3) procedures for conducting 

investigations - including methods and capabilities for conducting remote investigations, 

including in non-permissive environments; (4) templated, minimum-required investigation 

questions; (5) categories of information sources to be considered, including non-U.S. sources, 

open sources, information obtained from interviews, and information obtained from site visits; 
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(6) records management processes; and (7) reporting processes in support of CHMR. Guidance 

may additionally include templates and example appointment orders. 

In some cases, DoD has not been able to assess a report due to insufficient information provided 

or because reports are still pending review. However, DoD continues its assessments, and 

existing assessments are reconsidered, if new relevant information becomes available.

DoD acknowledges that there are differences between DoD assessments of civilian casualties 

and reports from other organizations, including NGOs. DoD personnel engage with 

representatives from NGOs and international organizations (IOs) regularly to discuss reports and 

assessments of civilian casualties, including at both action officer and leadership levels. These 

differences result from a variety of factors. For example, NGOs and media outlets often use 

different types of information and methodologies than DoD to assess whether civilian casualties 

have occurred. Some organizations conduct on-the-ground assessments and interviews, while 

others rely heavily on media reporting. Although such information can be valuable, this 

information alone can be incomplete or inaccurate. DoD assessments seek to incorporate all 

available information, including information provided by NGOs and IOs, as well as additional 

information and tools that are not available to other organizations – such as operational planning 

data and intelligence sources. As noted above, DoD reconsiders existing assessments if new 

relevant information becomes available, such as new information received from NGOs or other 

external sources. In accordance with the CHMR-AP, DoD will further expand the sources of 

information used in assessments and investigations so that DoD has access to more information 

and is more capable of assessing and investigating the results of military operations. 

III. DOD PROCESSES FOR CONSIDERING EX GRATIA PAYMENTS OR 

OTHER FORMS OF RESPONSE TO CIVILIAN HARM

An ex gratia payment may be one of several possible response options that might be appropriate 

for DoD to take when U.S. military operations injure or kill a civilian or damage or destroy 

civilian objects. Other possible response options could include an acknowledgement of 

responsibility, medical care, or other appropriate measures that may be consistent with mission 

objectives and applicable law. Such actions have historically been used to express condolences, 

sympathy, or goodwill, and to support mission objectives. Such actions are not required by law, 

not an admission of wrongdoing, and not for the purpose of compensating the victim or the 

victim’s family for their loss.

When commanders identify a situation in which it is appropriate to extend an ex gratia payment, 

DoD has authority and funds to do so. Section 1213 of the NDAA for FY 2020 (Public Law 

116-22), as amended and codified as a note to 10 U.S.C. § 2731, specifies that it shall be 

construed as the sole authority to make ex gratia payments for property damage, personal injury, 

or death that is incident to the use of force by the U.S. Armed Forces. In June 2020, DoD 

published Department-wide interim regulations to implement the authority provided under 

Section 1213. Commanders rely on these regulations to evaluate incidents and to determine 

whether offering an ex gratia payment in a particular case would be appropriate and consistent 

with mission objectives and applicable law. The Department has begun updating these 
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regulations to implement the amendments to Section 1213 enacted in section 1331 of the NDAA 

for FY 2022 (Public Law 117-81). 

Over the coming years, pursuant to the CHMR-AP, DoD will establish a holistic response 

framework through which DoD will ensure the availability of a diverse menu of response options 

to respond to individuals and communities affected by U.S. military operations — including 

public and private acknowledgements of harm, condolence payments, medical care, repairs to 

damaged structures and infrastructure, ordnance removal, and locally held commemorative 

events or symbols. These options will allow commanders to craft tailored responses, based on 

consultations with affected individuals and communities, which are contextually and culturally 

appropriate, can be offered whenever circumstances permit, and are aligned with U.S. strategy 

and values, and applicable law. 

DoD made no ex gratia payments in Calendar Year 2022.

IV. STEPS DOD TAKES TO MITIGATE HARM AND RESPOND TO CIVILIANS

In conducting military operations, all commands and forces assigned to CCMDs adhere to the 

law of war, Secretary of Defense-approved rules of engagement, instructions promulgated by the 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and joint doctrine that establish policies, processes, and 

procedures that help to protect civilians and minimize civilian casualties. Below are examples of 

steps, among other efforts, DoD has taken in 2022 to help protect civilians during military 

operations. 

Policies, processes, and procedures: All CCMDs conducting military operations adhere to the 

guidance in Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Instructions (CJCSIs) to help protect civilians 

and minimize civilian casualties, including CJCSI 3160.01D, No-Strike and the Collateral 

Damage Estimation Methodology. Like other DoD issuances, CJCSI 3160.01D is routinely 

updated, including through lessons learned from U.S. military operations. As an example of how 

seriously the Joint Force takes the process of improving targeting procedures, a committee, 

established by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, of senior targeting representatives from 

the Joint Staff, the Military Services, the CCMDs, and DoD Combat Support Agencies, and 

representatives of participating partner nations, meets periodically to propose, review, debate, 

analyze, and prioritize targeting issues of mutual concern and, when appropriate, to decide on 

and implement common advancements. 

CCMDs also usually have several boards, bureaus, centers, cells, and/or working groups that 

contribute to efforts to reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties. Much of the effort to reduce 

the likelihood of civilian casualties occurs during the targeting process. CCMDs employ groups 

focused on the targeting process, such as a Target Development Working Group, a Joint 

Targeting Working Group, and a Joint Targeting Coordination Board. Although the primary 

purpose of these groups and board is to achieve an intended outcome against an enemy target, 

these entities also review and evaluate the targets to minimize the potential for civilian 

casualties. Additionally, proposed targets are reviewed for compliance with the law of war. For 

example, a judge advocate will review a proposed target to advise the command and the Target 
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Engagement Authority whether the proposed target is a valid military objective under the law of 

war. 

Other working groups that are not as directly involved in the targeting process can also 

contribute to efforts to minimize civilian casualties or to respond to reports that U.S. forces 

caused civilian casualties. For example, an Information Operations Working Group can help 

generate warnings for civilians to avoid military objectives or areas of active combat.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier in the report, DoD components conduct U.S. military 

operations consistent with Section 2 of Executive Order 13732, United States Policy on Pre- and 

Post-Strike Measures To Address Civilian Casualties in U.S. Operations Involving the Use of 

Force, of July 1, 2016, which catalogues the best practices DoD implements to protect civilians 

during armed conflict. 

During 2022, U.S. military operations were conducted consistent with Section 2 of Executive 

Order 13732. For example, pre-deployment training for U.S. military units during 2022 included 

instruction on the law of war, rules of engagement, and other policies related to protecting 

civilian populations. CCMDs conducting military operations also took feasible precautions to 

reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties, conducted assessments that assist in the reduction of 

civilian casualties, and acknowledged U.S. responsibility for civilian casualties.

V. CONCLUSION

The Department recognizes that our efforts to mitigate and respond to civilian harm respond to 

both strategic and moral imperatives. Through its implementation of the CHMR-AP, including 

the recent issuance of the DoD Instruction on CHMR, the Department continues to improve its 

approach to civilian harm mitigation and response.