The U.S. Built a Blueprint to Avoid Civilian War Casualties. Trump Officials Scrapped It.

ProPublicaCenter-LeftEN 13 min read 100% complete by Hannah AllamMarch 10, 2026 at 10:25 PM

AI Summary

long article 13 min

A U.S. military plan aimed at reducing civilian casualties in war zones was scrapped by Trump administration officials in the past year. This occurred as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prioritized "lethality," dissolving the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence and related efforts. The program's dismantling coincided with loosened rules of engagement, broader target categories, and inflated threat assessments. The article highlights a recent missile strike in Minab, Iran, that killed over 165 civilians, mostly children, raising concerns about the consequences of reduced oversight and accountability in military operations. Experts suggest the Trump administration reorganized national security around increased aggression and decreased accountability, potentially contributing to the higher civilian death toll.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UN 30% Pete Hegseth 40% Defense Department 50% Israel 50% Pentagon 60% Wes J. Bryant ×460% Minab ×270% Donald Trump ×270% United States ×480% Iran ×390%

Keywords

civilian harm 100% civilian casualties 90% military accountability 80% harm reduction 70% lethal force 60% defense department 50% military operations 50% national security 40%