The Human Cost Of War: Examining Civilian Deaths In Afghanistan And Iraq

The human cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq has been devastating, with a high number of civilian casualties. While there is no single official figure for the total number of civilian deaths, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of civilians have lost their lives as a direct result of the conflicts. The impact of the wars extends beyond direct casualties, as millions have been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure and the spread of disease have also contributed to indirect deaths. The total death toll, including civilians and combatants, is estimated to be in the millions.

Civilian deaths caused by US-led military forces

The US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, along with the broader global war on terrorism, have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties. While the full death toll remains challenging to determine, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of civilians have lost their lives due to direct war violence, and millions more have died indirectly as a result of the conflicts.

In Afghanistan, the war has had a devastating impact on civilians. The Costs of War Project estimates that the conflict killed 176,000 people in Afghanistan, including 46,319 civilians. However, the death toll is likely higher when considering indirect causes such as disease, loss of access to food, water, and infrastructure. According to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, the total number of deaths in the Afghanistan/Pakistan warzone is estimated to be 243,000 since 2001, with over 70,000 civilian deaths. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that civilian casualties were attributed primarily to the Taliban and other anti-government elements, ranging from 61% to 80% each year. Nevertheless, civilian deaths caused by US-led military forces have also been significant. Professor Marc W. Herold of the University of New Hampshire estimated that between 3,100 and 3,600 civilians were directly killed by US-led forces between October 7, 2001, and June 3, 2003. The Afghanistan Rights Monitor, a Kabul-based watchdog, estimated that US-led military forces killed over 1,620 civilians in 2008, with 680 killed in airstrikes.

In Iraq, the number of civilian casualties is similarly difficult to ascertain. Estimates of total casualties from fighting range from 151,000 to 600,000 people. The Washington Post and other outlets have uncovered severe discrepancies and undercounting of death tolls from US-led coalition strikes. The true number of civilian deaths caused by US-led forces in Iraq remains disputed.

The human toll of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq extends beyond direct violent deaths. The destruction of hospitals, infrastructure, and environmental contamination has led to indirect deaths and long-lasting health consequences for civilians. The wars have also resulted in the displacement of millions of people, contributing to malnutrition, disease, and a lack of access to essential services. The impact of the conflicts on mental health cannot be overstated, with elevated rates of mental health problems reported in affected areas.

The full scope of civilian deaths caused by US-led military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq may never be truly known. However, the available estimates and testimonies paint a picture of profound loss and suffering endured by the people in these war zones.

The number of civilians killed by Taliban and anti-government elements

The number of civilians killed by the Taliban and anti-government elements in Afghanistan is difficult to determine. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) estimates that between 61% and 80% of civilian casualties each year can be attributed to the Taliban and other anti-government elements.

According to the Costs of War Project, the war in Afghanistan killed 46,319 civilians between 2001 and 2021. However, this number is likely an underestimation due to unaccounted deaths caused by disease, loss of access to food, water, infrastructure, and other indirect consequences of the war. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program puts the total number of deaths in Afghanistan during this period at 212,191.

The Cost of War Project estimated in 2015 that the number of indirect deaths related to the war may be as high as 360,000. This includes deaths caused by the deterioration of economic, environmental, psychological, and health conditions.

The UNAMA reported that there was a significant reduction in civilian casualties following the Taliban takeover in August 2021. However, it recorded 1,095 civilian deaths and 2,679 wounded between August 15, 2021, and May 2023. The majority of these deaths were caused by improvised explosive devices, including suicide bombings in public places such as mosques, education centers, and markets.

The Taliban was responsible for the majority of attacks, according to the UNAMA, which also noted that the deadliness of the attacks had escalated despite fewer violent incidents. More than 1,700 casualties, including injuries, were attributed to explosive attacks claimed by ISIL.

The ruling Taliban maintains that it is focused on securing the country and has carried out several raids against ISIL cells. In response to the UN report, the Taliban-run foreign ministry stated that Afghanistan had faced security challenges for decades due to the war and that the situation had improved under its government, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The war in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the country, with 92% of the population facing food insecurity and 3 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. The war has also led to the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of infrastructure, and a decline in access to healthcare and education.

The impact of war on children

Death and Injury:

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have died in Afghanistan and Iraq as a direct result of the wars. Children are not spared from this violence, and many have lost their lives or suffered injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives. According to Save the Children, almost 33,000 children have been killed or maimed in Afghanistan over the past 20 years, with the real number likely being much higher.

Displacement and Refugee Crisis:

War forces families to flee their homes, seeking safety elsewhere. This leads to a massive refugee crisis, with children making up a significant portion of those displaced. In Afghanistan, the ongoing conflict has caused almost 400,000 people to leave their homes, and in Iraq, the war led to over a million refugees and internally displaced persons, including a large number of children.

Malnutrition and Health Issues:

Conflict disrupts food systems and increases food insecurity. In Afghanistan, 92% of the population faces food insecurity, and 3 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition. War also destroys health infrastructure, making it difficult for children to access medical care. The lack of clean water and sanitation further exacerbates health issues, with millions at risk of contracting contagious diseases.

Psychological Trauma:

The trauma of war leaves deep psychological scars on children. They witness horrific acts of violence, lose loved ones, and live with constant fear and uncertainty. Studies have shown that many Afghan and Iraqi children suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The impact of this trauma can last a lifetime and affect their overall well-being and development.

Education Disruption:

War disrupts children's education, with schools being destroyed or used for military purposes. In Afghanistan, as many as 3.5 million children are out of school, and the lack of female teachers hinders girls' enrolment and retention. This loss of educational opportunities has long-term consequences for their future.

Child Soldiers:

Armed groups often recruit children as soldiers, exploiting their vulnerability. These child soldiers are forced to participate in combat, handle weapons, and endure further trauma. The use of child soldiers is a grave violation of human rights and robs children of their childhood and the opportunity to attend school.

Loss of Family and Community:

War tears apart families and communities. Children lose their parents and caregivers, leaving them without the support and protection they need. They are often left to fend for themselves or end up in orphanages or refugee camps, facing an uncertain future.

Economic Impact:

Conflict destroys economies and livelihoods, pushing families into poverty. This economic devastation affects children's access to food, education, and healthcare. It also increases their vulnerability to exploitation, including child labour and, in some cases, sexual exploitation.

The number of US troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

The US Department of Defense lists 2,459 service members as having died in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, with 2,402 of these deaths occurring in Afghanistan. The iCasualties.org website gives a slightly higher figure of 2,455 deaths in these operations.

The US military suicide rate has climbed significantly since 2004, and four times as many service members have died by suicide than in combat in the post-9/11 wars. The total number of US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars who have died by suicide is over 30,177.

The number of wounded US service members is also high. There were 31,454 wounded in Iraq and 3,372 in Afghanistan. The US forces have respectively 7.3 and 4.5 wounded per death, which is much higher than the average of 2 wounded per death across all principal US wars.

The number of civilians killed in Iraq

The Iraq War, which began with the US invasion in 2003, has resulted in a significant loss of civilian lives. While the exact number of civilian deaths is unknown, various sources provide estimates that help us understand the magnitude of the tragedy.

According to the Costs of War Project, between 280,771 and 315,190 civilians lost their lives due to direct war-related violence caused by the US, its allies, the Iraqi military and police, and opposition forces from the time of the invasion through March 2023. These civilians perished through aerial bombings, shelling, gunshots, suicide attacks, and fires started by bombing. The actual number of civilian deaths is likely much higher, as not all war-related fatalities have been accurately recorded by the Iraqi government and the US-led coalition.

Several estimates based on randomly selected household surveys place the total death count among Iraqis in the hundreds of thousands. The Iraq Body Count project, a British-American group that compiles reported Iraqi civilian deaths, documented a range of at least 185,194 to 208,167 total violent civilian deaths through June 2020. Their data shows that the most common causes of death were execution after abduction or capture (33%), small arms gunfire (20%), suicide bombs (14%), vehicle bombs (9%), roadside bombs (5%), and air attacks (5%).

The Costs of War Project's estimate includes both civilian and military casualties. According to their findings, 268,000 to 295,000 people were killed in violence during the Iraq War from March 2003 to October 2018, including 182,272 to 204,575 civilians.

The Iraq Family Health Survey, conducted by the World Health Organization, estimated 151,000 violent deaths from March 2003 through June 2006. The Opinion Research Business survey, conducted in August 2007, estimated 1,033,000 violent deaths due to the Iraq War, with a range of 946,000 to 1,120,000 deaths.

The true number of civilian deaths in Iraq may never be known, as many casualties may have gone unrecorded or unreported due to the challenging nature of war reporting. The impact of the war extends beyond direct violence, as many more civilians have suffered injuries, displacement, and trauma. The war has also led to a deterioration of essential systems, resulting in food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and lack of access to clean drinking water.

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