Senator Reed blames Hegseth for civilian deaths in Yemen strikes

In 2025, the United States military conducted strikes in Yemen that resulted in the deaths of 153 civilians, according to a Pentagon report. These casualties occurred during Operation Rough Rider, which was part of a broader military campaign in the region. The report indicated that no civilian casualties were reported in other active conflict areas such as Somalia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran during the same year. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island has publicly criticized Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, attributing the civilian deaths to his leadership and decisions, including the dismantling of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence and the removal of senior legal advisors. Reed emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the Pentagon had delayed the release of the civilian casualty report and had not assessed the Minab school strike, where over 100 schoolgirls were killed. He called for Hegseth to provide a direct and honest reckoning to the families of the victims and the American public, highlighting the legal and moral obligations to address these losses. Reed's remarks reflect a growing concern over the conduct of military operations and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, raising questions about the rules of engagement and the prioritization of civilian safety in military strategy.