U.S. Military and Iraqi Casualty Statistics: Additional Numbers and Explanations

Publication Date: April 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: International relations

Type:

Coverage: Iraq

Abstract:

This report provides several estimates of difficult-to-find casualty statistics from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Enduring Freedom includes ongoing operations in Afghanistan, operations against terrorists in other countries, and operations supporting foreign efforts to defeat terrorists. Operation Iraqi Freedom includes the invasion of Iraq and all subsequent operations in Iraq.

The Department of Defense regularly updates total U.S. military deaths and wounded statistics from OIF and OEF. These updates are reflected in CRS Report RS21578, Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties. Daily updates can be found at [http://www.defenselink.mil/news/], while more detailed information can be found at [http://www.dior.whs.mil/mmid/casualty/castop.htm]. However, the Department of Defense does not publicly release numbers on Iraqi civilian deaths, Iraqi security forces deaths, or medical evacuations of U.S. military personnel outside of Iraq. Statistics on these topics are sometimes available through alternative sources, such as nonprofit organizations or the press.

Many of the statistics included in this report are incomplete or have been released by non-governmental sources. Readers should exercise caution when using these statistics and should look on them as guideposts rather than as statements of historical fact. This report will be updated as needed.