The Weekly Toll Of War: Afghanistan's Enduring Tragedy

The War in Afghanistan has resulted in a significant loss of life, with 2,448 to 2,459 American service members killed since the start of U.S. military operations in 2001 until April 2021. This figure does not include the deaths of contractors, civilians, and military personnel from other countries involved in the conflict. The war has also left a devastating impact on the mental health of veterans and the Afghan population, with high rates of suicide and mental health issues reported. The conflict has also led to the impoverishment of Afghans, with 92% facing food insecurity and increased rates of disease and malnutrition.

US military deaths in Afghanistan: 2,448-2,459

The US military deaths in Afghanistan range from 2,448 to 2,459. The war in Afghanistan, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, resulted in a heavy loss of lives. According to data from Linda Bilmes of Harvard University's Kennedy School and the Brown University Costs of War project, 2,448 American service members lost their lives in Afghanistan as of April 2021. This number includes casualties that occurred during the simultaneous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as many American troops served in both conflicts.

The US Department of Defense Casualty Status report, as of August 9, 2021, records a similar death toll of 2,218 American service members. However, this figure only includes casualties from October 7, 2001, to December 31, 2014, in Afghanistan. The report also mentions that more than 20,000 soldiers were wounded in the conflict, many suffering permanent disabilities.

The war in Afghanistan has taken a significant toll on human lives, with 2,459 United States military deaths, according to the United States Department of Defense. Of these casualties, 1,922 were a result of hostile action, 534 were non-hostile, and three are pending status. Additionally, 18 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives lost their lives, and there were 1,822 civilian contractor fatalities.

The iCasualties.org website lists a slightly lower number of 2,455 US military deaths, including 10 CIA operatives. This figure includes 49 deaths that occurred in support of other OEF operations.

The war in Afghanistan has not only resulted in direct combat deaths but also an alarming number of suicides among US service members and veterans. The high suicide rates are attributed to the psychological wounds and PTSD developed during their service.

The US military deaths in Afghanistan, ranging from 2,448 to 2,459, represent a tragic loss of lives with far-reaching consequences. The true cost of the war is reflected not only in the lives lost but also in the thousands wounded, the families affected, and the long-term impact on those who served.

US contractors who died: 3,846-8,000+

The war in Afghanistan has resulted in a significant loss of lives, including those of US contractors working in the region. According to data from Harvard University's Kennedy School and the Brown University Costs of War project, 3,846 US contractors have died in Afghanistan as of April 2021. This figure represents a significant portion of the overall American lives lost in the country.

The role of contractors in the Afghanistan War has often been overlooked, but they have provided essential logistical and security support to US troops on the ground. These contractors worked closely with the military and were involved in various tasks such as transportation, IT, and translation services. Many of them were former US military personnel who continued to serve their country in a different capacity.

The exact number of contractor deaths is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of comprehensive reporting by the US government. The Pentagon, for example, does not keep track of contractor fatalities, and the numbers provided by the Department of Labor are acknowledged to be incomplete. This lack of transparency has led to criticism and calls for better recognition of the sacrifices made by these contractors and their families.

The true death toll among US contractors may even be higher than the reported figures. Some estimates place the number of contractor deaths in Afghanistan and other post-9/11 war zones at over 8,000. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that a majority of US contractors are citizens of other countries, and their deaths may go unreported or unrecognized by US authorities.

The deaths of US contractors in Afghanistan highlight the dangers and complexities of modern warfare. These individuals played a crucial role in supporting military operations, often filling gaps in personnel and providing specialized skills. Their contributions and sacrifices deserve to be acknowledged and honored alongside those of US service members.

Afghan civilians killed: 47,245-70,000+

The war in Afghanistan has resulted in staggering costs for Afghans, with civilian casualties being one of the most devastating consequences. According to various sources, the estimated number of Afghan civilian deaths since the start of the war in 2001 ranges from 47,245 to over 70,000. This range highlights the immense loss of life among the Afghan civilian population due to the conflict.

The United States military's actions have had a significant impact on civilian casualties in Afghanistan. One source mentions that the relaxation of rules of engagement for airstrikes in 2017 led to a 330% increase in civilian deaths caused by U.S.-led airstrikes from the last year of the Obama administration to the last full year of recorded data under Trump. This indicates a substantial surge in civilian casualties as a result of those altered rules of engagement.

The war has also left deep scars on Afghan society, with the conflict exacerbating issues such as poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation, inadequate access to healthcare, and environmental degradation. The breakdown of the economy, public health infrastructure, and security has further worsened the situation for Afghans. The impact of the war extends beyond physical destruction, as two-thirds of Afghans were reported to suffer from mental health problems in 2009.

The civilian death toll in Afghanistan is not limited to direct combat-related incidents. Even in the absence of active fighting, unexploded ordnance and landmines from previous wars continue to pose a significant threat, killing and injuring civilians, especially children. This highlights the long-lasting and far-reaching consequences of the war on the Afghan population.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has been documenting civilian casualties since 2009. Their reports provide valuable insights into the impact of the conflict on civilians. According to UNAMA, the first half of 2021 saw a record number of civilian casualties, with 5,183 civilians affected (1,659 killed and 3,524 injured). This marked a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2020. The sharp rise in casualties coincided with the withdrawal of international military forces and the intensification of fighting following the Taliban's offensive.

UNAMA's reports also shed light on the gender and age distribution of civilian casualties. In the first half of 2021, women, boys, and girls accounted for nearly half of all civilian casualties, with children making up 32% and women accounting for 14%. This breakdown underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The United States and its allies have faced scrutiny for their role in civilian casualties. A former White House official stated that there was a lack of accountability for civilian deaths, often limited to condolences and denial of responsibility. This perceived lack of accountability has contributed to resentment and negative perceptions of U.S. forces among the Afghan population.

The war in Afghanistan has inflicted immense suffering on civilians, leaving deep wounds that will take years to heal. The loss of life, the destruction of families, and the erosion of societal well-being have had far-reaching consequences that will shape Afghanistan's future for generations to come.

Afghan military deaths: 66,000

The war in Afghanistan has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with an estimated 66,000 Afghan military deaths. This figure represents the tremendous toll that the conflict has taken on the country's security forces, who have been engaged in a protracted battle against the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

The Afghan military, also known as the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), have been at the forefront of the fight against the Taliban and have borne the brunt of the violence. They have faced relentless attacks, ambushes, and suicide bombings, which have resulted in a significant number of fatalities over the years. The Taliban's tactics have included the use of roadside bombs, suicide bombers, and direct fire attacks on security checkpoints and outposts.

The Afghan military has also suffered losses due to factional infighting and so-called "green-on-blue" attacks, where Afghan security forces have turned their weapons on their own comrades or foreign allies. These incidents have undermined trust and cohesion within the Afghan military and have had a detrimental impact on morale.

The war in Afghanistan has been ongoing since 2001, following the US-led invasion in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The conflict has witnessed various phases, with international forces, including US and NATO troops, initially leading the fight against the Taliban. However, over time, the Afghan military assumed a larger role, and by 2014, they had taken the lead in combat operations with foreign forces providing support and training.

Despite the efforts of the Afghan military and their international allies, the Taliban remained a formidable force and controlled large swaths of the country. In 2021, the US and its allies withdrew their remaining troops, and the Taliban swiftly seized control of the country, including the capital, Kabul. This development underscored the challenges faced by the Afghan military in maintaining security and stability in the face of a resilient and determined insurgency.

The 66,000 Afghan military deaths represent not only a tragic loss of life but also a significant setback for the country's security and stability. The Afghan military has struggled to recover from the heavy casualties, and the loss of experienced personnel has weakened their ability to effectively counter the Taliban and other militant groups.

The true toll of the war may be even higher than the reported 66,000 deaths, as it is difficult to obtain accurate data in a conflict zone, and some casualties may go unreported or unrecognized. Furthermore, the war has also taken an immense toll on Afghan civilians, with thousands killed and injured, and millions displaced due to the ongoing violence and instability.

US suicides post-Afghanistan: 30,177+

The US war in Afghanistan has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, including civilians, soldiers, and contractors. The war has also left many veterans with mental health issues, and according to official sources, over 30,177 US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have died by suicide. This number is over four times the number of US soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, which stood at 7,057 as of 2021.

The high suicide rate among post-9/11 war service members has been attributed to various factors. Firstly, the trauma of being in combat or experiencing a crisis of conscience can lead to mental health issues. The prevalence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) also creates an atmosphere of fear and the possibility of traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, modern medical advances have allowed service members to survive more serious injuries and be redeployed, which can take a toll on their mental health. The length of post-9/11 military conflicts, with the war in Afghanistan being the longest in US history, has also contributed to the issue.

The indifference of the American public towards veterans and the lack of social support upon their return have also been identified as factors influencing the high suicide rate. Diminishing approval of the wars, coupled with negative stereotypes of veterans, may contribute to rising suicide rates. Furthermore, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life can be difficult, and veterans may struggle with feelings of isolation, separation, and a lack of social and economic support.

To address this mental health crisis, the Pentagon and the VA have been urged to expand their tracking of war-related post-deployment deaths, including suicides, injuries, and illnesses among service members, regardless of whether they receive VA treatment. Consolidated, transparent, and easily accessible data are essential to understanding the scope of the problem and developing effective solutions.

While the US Department of Defense takes a "comprehensive approach" to suicide prevention, the high rate of suicides among US service members and veterans remains a challenging and heartbreaking issue. It underscores the need for continued efforts to provide support and resources to those affected by the invisible wounds of war.

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