The Pentagon has dismantled a legally required programme to prevent and respond to civilian deaths in US military operations, according to an internal watchdog report. The Department of Defense Inspector General concluded that the US military no longer has the personnel, tools, or infrastructure to comply with federal statutes mandating a civilian casualty policy and a Civilian Protection Center of Excellence.
The civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) programme, established in January 2022 under then-Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, has seen its funding cut, committee meetings halted, and dedicated staff reassigned. The report warned that the Department of War may not comply with its legally required civilian casualties policy.
The cuts come amid scrutiny of US strikes in Iran, including an attack on a girls' school in Minab that killed at least 175 people, mostly children. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced criticism for downplaying civilian casualties, blaming Iran for placing rocket launchers in civilian areas and claiming the US takes more precautions than any other nation.
Wes J Bryant, a former air force combat veteran who led civilian harm assessments for the programme, said only seven people remain, locked out of operations and relegated to a small office in Virginia. He described forced resignations and halted investigations since Hegseth took office.
The Inspector General's report, published on 13 May, noted that in February, senior officials proposed cutting the programme, and the military began acting as if cuts were approved without waiting for a response. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department is reviewing the programme to ensure alignment with mission needs and statutory requirements.
