Afghanistan: Reported US covert actions 2018
The timeline below contains information on all US air attacks on Afghanistan recorded by the Bureau in 2018. It is updated with the latest US air attacks. We also log Afghan Air Force attacks when they are reported. The Bureau collects information on the US and Afghan strikes and the people they kill from local and international media reports – including the Bureau’s own field investigations – as well as academics and NGOs that cite US, Afghan and Pakistani civil, military and intelligence officials, and witnesses and local people in the affected areas.
Please note that our data changes according to our current understanding of particular strikes. The information below represents our present best estimate.
Background
US aircraft have been bombing Afghanistan since late 2001 and the airstrikes have continued into the Trump administration. Up until December 2014 the US was operating in concert with its allies in the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force. Now it is just the US, and the Afghans, flying strike missions in the country.
The Bureau began tracking the strikes from January 1 2015 onwards, when the US and Nato’s combat mission in Afghanistan came to an end. The Afghan military and police took the lead in fighting the Taliban with the US and its international partners moving into a non-combat “train, advise, assist” role, supporting local forces.
US air forces are still flying combat missions however. There are three targeting authorities that govern the kind of strikes the US can conduct in Afghanistan.
Force protection strikes are intended to protect friendly ground forces who are under attack, or are about to be attacked. From January 1 2015 the US was supposed to stop deliberately going after the Taliban, leaving that to the Afghans. But in June 2016, with the Taliban pushing the Afghan forces to breaking point, the US went on the offensive against the Taliban, under “strategic effect” strikes.
The third authority governs the US’s counter-terrorism strikes, part of its offensive operations against al Qaeda and, since January 2016, Afghanistan’s Islamic State offshoot.
Full data
The Bureau publishes a narrative timeline of US strikes in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen each year. Links for all other timelines can be found here.
We also publish spreadsheets detailing casualty numbers in each country. You can download the entire Afghanistan sheet here.
| Strikes recorded by the Bureau | |
|---|---|
| Total reported strikes | 1985-1986 |
| Total reported killed | 767-1060 |
| Civilians reported killed | 92-163 |
| Children reported killed | 14-51 |
| Total reported injured | 106-166 |
| Total Close Air Support (CAS) sorties with at least one weapon release | 783 |
| Total CAS sorties | 6,584 |
| Total weapons released | 5982 |
Strikes Page 10
Three strikes destroyed two tactical units on this day in Paktika province, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktika province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Nangarhar province destroyed an IED production facility and a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
AFG742 link
13 October 2018
A communications tower and a weapons cache was destroyed in two strikes in Laghman province.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Laghman province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Kunduz province destroyed a fighting position and a weapons cache, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kunduz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike destroyed a homemade explosives cache in Kandahar province, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Helmand province, three strikes destroyed a tactical unit and a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Ghazni Province, four strikes destroyed four tactical units, one vehicle, one building and one improvised explosive device, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
The strikes also destroyed what was described as a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
Casualty information was not included.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A US strike in Nuristan province hit a Taliban checkpoint, according to the 201st Silab Corps (part of the Afghan army).
The strike hit the highway between Noor Geram and Do Aab district killing two fighters and injuring a further three, a statement from the corps said. It identified the two men killed as Syed Ur Rehman and Gul.
The statement also said that the insurgents had been harassing local residents when they were hit by the strike. There was no mention of whether or not civilians were killed.
Due to sourcing issues we could not record this strike as a confirmed US strike at the time of the report.
However, US data released in November showed that a strike was carried out in the province on that day, destroying a tactical unit. This strike could be the same one reported by Khaama Press.
The strike confirmed by the US did not have any information on casualties, but we've included a casualty range to reflect the possibility the strike Khaama Press reported is the same one.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nuristan province
- References: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Parwan province denied the enemy terrain, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Parwan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Nine buildings were destroyed in nine strikes in Nangarhar province, US data shows. No additional details were provided.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Three strikes in Logar province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes in Kunduz on this day denied the enemy terrain, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan
Last year, a US spokesperson explained to the Bureau what a "terrain denial" strike was. He said, "These strikes are not targeting buildings or people, but to deny the adversary from occupying or traversing an area of land."
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Kunduz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Khost province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Khost province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes destroyed a homemade explosives cache in Kandahar province, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes destroyed a tactical and "disrupted enemy" in Helmand province, according to US data. There were no additional details.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Wardak province destroyed a motorcycle and a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
See here, for more information on the data.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Uruzgan province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Three strikes in Parwan province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Parwan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Nangarhar Province, four strikes destroyed two fighting positions, one building and one tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A US strike in Jawzjan province destroyed a tactical unit, a report published on Resolute Support's website said.
A tactical unit can be described as a a group of fighters organised as one unit in combat.
No information was given on casualties.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Jawzjan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Five strikes destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device, one tactical unit and suppressed three mortar positions in Helmand province, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
A HBIED refers to a house rigged with explosives.
No additional details were provided.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Faryab province destroyed a fighting position, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Three strikes in Wardak province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
See here, for more information on the data.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Uruzgan province, eight strikes on this day destroyed nine fighting positions, six buildings, three tactical units and a mortar position, according to US Forces - Afghanistan data.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Paktia province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktia province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Nangarhar Province, five strikes destroyed three tactical units, one building, one cave and one weapons cache, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes destroyed one weapons cache and one mortar position in Laghman province, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Laghman province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
One civilian was killed in a US airstrike in Helmand, the American military admitted in the Department of Defense annual report on civilian casualties.
Five strikes destroyed two buildings, two tactical units and one staging area in Helmand province, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikeS
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release, DoD annual report on civilian casualties
The US carried out four strikes in Faryab on this day, destroying three vehicles and a building, according to US data.
There had been a couple of reports of strikes in the local media in the province on this day. Neither of them met our sourcing requirements and had been recorded as possible strikes.
One of these reportedly hit Qaisar district, killing seven Taliban fighters including an alleged commander. The second was reported to have hit a Taliban hideout leaving ten members of the group dead and destroying three armoured vehicles. This one was said to have taken place in Faryab's Ghormach district.
To include the possibility the two possible strikes we had recorded are included in the strikes the US listed, we have included a casualty range.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghormach district, Faryab province
- References: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan press release, Khaama Press
A strike in Wardak province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes in Nangarhar province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Four strikes "suppressed enemy action" in Logar province, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes in Faryab province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strikes
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Farah province destroyed a fighting position, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes hit different parts of Nad Ali district after the Taliban attempted to attack security forces, the district police chief said, but it was unclear if US or Afghan forces carried out the strikes.
The strikes killed 27 Taliban members and injured a further 13, District Police Chief Abdul Basir told TOLO News.
US data released in November showed no US strikes in this province on this day.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Nad Ali district, Helmand province
- References: TOLO News, US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Zabul province destroyed two motorcycles and two tactical units, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Zabul province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
In Wardak Province, three strikes destroyed one enemy fighting position, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes in Logar province suppressed enemy activity, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Laghman province neutralised a mortar position, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Laghman province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
One civilian was injured in a US ground operation, the American military admitted in the Department of Defense annual report on civilian casualties.
- Type of strike: US ground operation
- Location: Paktiya province
- References: DoD annual report on civilian casualties
Two strikes in Wardak province on this day destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
See here, for more information on the data.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Four strikes hit Kunar destroying three fighting positions, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kunar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes "disrupted enemy" in Helmand province, according to US data. There were no additional details.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Two strikes in Ghazni province destroyed two motorcycles and a tactical unit, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
Five strikes destroyed two tactical units in Faryab province, according to US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Farah province destroyed two buildings and a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
US drone strikes in two different Nangarhar districts killed scores of fighters belonging to Afghanistan's branch of Islamic State, according to a statement from 201st Silab Corps (part of the Afghan army).
A set of strikes hit different areas of Bandar district, killing at least 16 members of the group, the statement said. More strikes hit Khogyani's Wazi Tangi area, leaving 12 members of the group dead and injuring a further ten.
The sourcing for the strikes does not meet our methodological standards. We would require a named Afghan official to have reported them. Therefor the strikes will be recorded here as possible US strikes.
The date for the strikes was not clear, but they were reported on October 7. However, US data showed no strikes took place in this province on this day. There were three strikes the previous day.
- Type of strike: Possible US strikes
- Location: Khogyani district, Nangarhar province
- References: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Uruzgan province destroyed two buildings and a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Paktia province suppressed enemy activity, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktia province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
A strike in Paktika province destroyed a tactical unit, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
For more information on the release of data, see here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktika province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan press release
