Lyla Lindsey
The United States' war on terror has led to the deaths of thousands of US soldiers and contractors in Afghanistan and Iran. The US government spent $2.3 trillion on the war effort in Afghanistan, which led to the deaths of 2,324 US military personnel, 3,917 US contractors, and 1,144 allied troops. The war also caused the deaths of 70,000 Afghan military and police personnel, 46,319 Afghan civilians, and 53,000 opposition fighters. In total, about 243,000 people have been killed in the Afghanistan/Pakistan war zone since 2001, with more than 70,000 civilian deaths. In Iran, the number of US soldiers who died is unknown, but the conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of US troops who died in Iraq and Afghanistan by the end of 2019 | 7,000+ |
| Number of US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars who died by suicide | 30,177+ |
| Number of US contractors who died in Iraq and Afghanistan | 8,000+ |
| Number of US military personnel who died in Afghanistan | 2,324 |
| Number of US contractors who died in Afghanistan | 3,917 |
| Number of US military members who died in Afghanistan as of August 2021 | 2,443 |
| Number of US military members who died in Afghanistan between October 2001 and October 2018 | 2,401 |
| Number of US military members who died in Iraq between March 2003 and October 2018 | 4,550 |
| Number of US contractors who died in Iraq between March 2003 and October 2018 | 3,793 |
| Number of US contractors who died in Afghanistan between October 2001 and October 2018 | 3,937 |
| Number of civilians, security forces, and opposition forces killed in Afghanistan/Pakistan warzone since 2001 | 243,000+ |
| Number of civilians killed in Afghanistan/Pakistan warzone since 2001 | 70,000+ |
What You'll Learn
US military deaths in Afghanistan: 2,324
The war in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of thousands of US military service members. According to the United States Institute of Peace, 2,324 US military personnel have died in the conflict as of November 2022. This figure is slightly lower than the number provided by the Defense Department, which reported that 2,443 US military members had died in Afghanistan as of August 2021.
The war in Afghanistan began in October 2001, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The United States entered Afghanistan to defeat al-Qaeda and as part of a wider war against terrorism. Nearly 20 years later, in August 2021, the war officially ended with the withdrawal of US and NATO troops.
The human cost of the war has been immense, not only for the US military but also for civilians and allies. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, 1,659 Afghan civilians were killed and 3,524 were wounded in just the first half of 2021, marking a 47% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The war has also taken a significant toll on the mental health of Afghans, with two-thirds suffering from mental health problems, according to a 2009 report by the Afghan Ministry of Public Health.
In addition to the direct war deaths, thousands of US service members have died by suicide. As of November 2019, over 30,177 post-9/11 war service members and veterans have died by suicide, a number that is more than four times the number of combat deaths. The true toll of the war on the mental health of service members may be even higher, as official Pentagon numbers do not include suicides that occur after troops return home.
The financial cost of the war has also been staggering. The US government has spent an estimated $2.3 trillion on the war effort, including reconstruction programs and the training and equipping of the Afghan military.
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US contractor deaths in Afghanistan: 3,917
The war in Afghanistan has resulted in thousands of deaths, including civilians, military personnel, and contractors. According to the United States Institute of Peace, 3,917 US contractors have died in Afghanistan. This figure is supported by other sources, such as Brown University's Costs of War project, which estimated around 3,814 contractor deaths.
The US Department of Labor reported lower numbers, stating that by March 31, 2021, 1,822 civilian contractors had been killed in Afghanistan. However, it is important to note that the Department of Labor's tally might not represent the complete or official casualty statistics.
The deaths of US contractors in Afghanistan highlight the risks faced by civilians working in war zones. These contractors performed various roles, including administrative, logistical, and security tasks. Many of them were veterans who desired to serve their country again in a different capacity. Their contributions were essential to the US military's operations, and their sacrifices deserve recognition.
The exact number of US contractor deaths in Afghanistan may be challenging to pinpoint due to differences in reporting and the dynamic nature of conflict zones. However, it is clear that the death toll among contractors is significant and underscores the dangers inherent in military conflicts.
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US military deaths in Iraq: 4,550
The Iraq War, which began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of US military service members and contractors. Between March 2003 and October 2018, 4,550 US service members lost their lives in Iraq. This number does not include the deaths of US contractors who worked alongside the military, with 3,793 contractors dying during the same period.
The causes of death are varied and include improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, rocket-propelled grenade fire, vehicle crashes, electrocutions, heatstroke, friendly fire, and suicides. IEDs have been a significant cause of death, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting that they have been responsible for more deaths than any other explosive weapon over the last decade, except in 2017.
The total number of US military deaths in Iraq is likely higher than the recorded figure of 4,550, as there are challenges in accurately recording deaths in conflict zones. Additionally, these numbers do not account for indirect deaths resulting from factors such as limited access to food, water, health facilities, and infrastructure.
The Iraq War has had a devastating impact, with thousands of lives lost and countless others affected by injuries, illnesses, and psychological wounds. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of millions of people and had far-reaching consequences for the country and the wider region.
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US contractor deaths in Iraq: 3,793
The US war in Iraq has resulted in a heavy loss of lives, including those of US contractors working in the region. Between March 2003 and October 2018, 3,793 US military contractors lost their lives in Iraq. This figure represents a significant portion of the overall US contractor deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, which stood at over 8,000 as of 2019.
The deaths of US contractors in Iraq highlight the risks faced by civilians working in war zones. These contractors undertake various roles, including driving fuel trucks, cooking meals, cleaning, servicing advanced weapons systems, and providing security. The work they perform is dangerous and often places them in harm's way.
The US Department of Labor tracks contractor deaths and has reported a total of 917 civilian contractor deaths in Iraq as of March 2011. However, it is important to note that the actual number of deaths may be higher due to challenges in accurately recording fatalities in conflict zones.
The high number of contractor deaths has led to concerns about the privatization of modern US warfare. Critics argue that the use of private contractors has shifted the risks of war from the military to the private sector. Additionally, there have been calls for more transparency and accountability regarding the use of private contractors, as their deaths often go unnoticed by the public.
The rising number of contractor fatalities has received increasing attention, and it is clear that they play a crucial role in supporting US military operations. Their sacrifices should be recognized and honored alongside those of uniformed troops.
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US military suicides: 30,177+
The US military has faced a suicide crisis in recent years, with the number of suicides far outpacing the number of combat deaths. Over 30,177 US service members and veterans of post-9/11 wars have died by suicide—more than four times the number of US service members killed in combat during the same period. This figure highlights the mental health crisis in the military and the need for better support and resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.
Several factors contribute to the high rate of suicide among US service members and veterans. One significant factor is the trauma of being in combat and the stress of military life, including exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the constant fear of attack. The prevalence of IEDs and other explosive weapons has also led to an increase in traumatic brain injuries among service members, which can have lasting impacts on their mental health and increase the risk of suicide.
Another factor is the difficulty of transitioning from military to civilian life. Service members may struggle to relate to fellow students or civilians and may face negative stigmas and feelings of isolation upon returning home. They may also have difficulty accessing mental health services and finding individualized treatment.
Additionally, there has been an increase in military sexual trauma, affecting a significant number of both women and men. The masculine and machismo culture in the military can make it challenging for victims to come forward and receive support.
The length and nature of post-9/11 conflicts have also taken a toll on service members. The war in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history, has been ongoing since 2001, leading to multiple deployments and a cycle of reintegration for many service members. The asymmetric warfare and the constant threat of insider attacks have also contributed to a stressful and unpredictable environment.
To address the suicide crisis, the US government and military have implemented various programs and initiatives. These include the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which established a comprehensive suicide prevention program for veterans, and the Clay Hunt Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which mandates regular evaluations of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs. The PREVENTS Initiative aims to provide state and local governments with resources to identify and intervene in situations where veterans may be at risk of suicide. The USO has also developed special programming, such as connection-focused initiatives and supportive environments, to support service members' mental health and well-being.
Despite these efforts, suicide rates among active-duty military members continue to rise, reaching an all-time high in recent years. It is crucial to address the root causes of the crisis and provide comprehensive support to service members and veterans struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. This includes improving access to mental health services, addressing the stigma around mental health, and ensuring a smooth transition back to civilian life. By prioritizing the mental health and well-being of service members and veterans, we can hopefully reduce the number of suicides and provide them with the support they need.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Defense Department, 2,312 American military personnel died in Afghanistan as of November 2022. The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) puts this figure slightly higher, at 2,443 dead.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 3,937 American contractors died in Afghanistan between October 2001 and October 2018.
I was unable to find specific information on how many Americans died in Iran. However, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have filed lawsuits against Iran, alleging that Iranian-funded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs) caused injuries and deaths.
The causes of death for Americans in Afghanistan include rocket-propelled grenade fire, improvised explosive devices, vehicle crashes, electrocutions, heatstroke, friendly fire, and suicides.
The number of American deaths in Afghanistan is lower compared to the number of Afghan civilian and military deaths. According to Brown University's Costs of War project, approximately 70,000 Afghan civilians and 70,000 Afghan military and police personnel have died as a direct result of the war.
