Hegseth Testifies on Civilian Harm Amid U.S. Military Expansion

During a recent testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced scrutiny regarding the U.S. military's impact on civilian casualties. Hegseth brushed off inquiries about civilian harm, stating, "The Department of War fights to win," amid reports of unprecedented civilian casualties under President Donald Trump's administration. Experts noted that the U.S. has engaged in over 20 military interventions, leading to more than 2,000 civilian deaths in just the first 15 months of Trump's second term.

Annie Shiel, U.S. director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, criticized Hegseth's approach, saying, "Secretary Hegseth has presided over an expansion in U.S. military operations that has caused devastating civilian harm globally." Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen from Airwars highlighted that the number of civilian casualties reported across various theaters of conflict is unprecedented.

The Pentagon has faced backlash for its handling of civilian harm, particularly following an attack on a school in Iran that killed numerous civilians. Hegseth's office confirmed that the incident is under investigation but has not provided further details. Amid these developments, President Trump has made threats regarding military actions in Iran, further complicating the situation.

Hegseth's testimony and the ongoing military operations raise significant questions about the U.S. commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during conflicts.

What to watch: The outcome of the investigation into the attack on the Minab school and its implications for U.S. military policy.