Afghanistan: Reported US covert actions 2019
The timeline below contains information on all US air attacks on Afghanistan recorded by the Bureau in 2019. 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 | 4251 |
| Total reported killed | 58-2954 |
| Civilian reported killed | 22-249 |
| Children reported killed | 11-47 |
| Total reported injured | 35-614 |
| Total Close Air Support (CAS) sorties with at least one weapon release | 1548 |
| Total CAS sorties | 5659 |
| Total weapons released | 4483 |
Strikes Page 11
One strike hit Wardak province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Parwan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Parwan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Paktika province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktika province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Kapisa province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kapisa province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Herat province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Herat province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Faryab province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Faryab on this day. An airstrike in the province killed one Taliban fighter, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
According to their "informed military sources" the strike was carried out by the security forces in the Qaisar district.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to the confirmed US strikes in Faryab on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Badghis province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Badghis on this day. An airstrike killed one Taliban fighter in Badghis, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" said that the strike was carried out in the Ghormach district.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to the confirmed US strikes in Badghis on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badghis province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Airstrikes across Ghazni province killed five Taliban fighters and wounded one other, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
The provincial government media office reportedly said in a statement that the first strike took place at 11:30pm local time in the Laileza area of Qarabagh district. This strike was said to have killed two Taliban fighters and destroyed a "Humvee packed with explosives".
A second strike in the Geru district killed three Taliban fighters.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
US Forces-Afghanistan did not report any strikes in Ghazni on this day in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Qarabagh & Laileza districts, Ghazni province
- Reference: Khaama Press
A drone strike killed six "anti-government gunmen" in Kunar province, according to LiveuaMap.
The Afghan army reportedly said that the strike was in the Sokai district.
While no reference was made to who conducted the strike - the US are the only known country to be flying armed drones in Afghanistan.
US Forces-Afghanistan did not report any strikes in Kunar on this day in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Sokai district, Kunar province
- Reference: LiveuaMap
One strike hit Zabul province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Zabul province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Four strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Uruzgan on this day. Airstrikes in the province killed eight Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it was unclear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
The strikes were reported to have been carried out in the Khas Uruzgan district. This could be an updated death toll from a strike the day before in Khas Uruzgan which was initially said to have killed three.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to any of the confirmed US strikes in Uruzgan on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Paktia province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktia province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Herat province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Herat province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Ghazni province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Ghazni on this day. A Taliban group leader and five of his fighters were killed in a US airstrike in Ghazni province, Khaama Press reported.
The 203rd Thunder Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the strike was carried out in the Tasan area of Deh Yak district.
We are currently unable to record this in our database of confirmed US strikes due to vague sourcing.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to any of the confirmed US strikes in Ghazni on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Faryab province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Balkh province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Balkh province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Badghis province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Badghis on this day. Four Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike in Badghis province, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" said that the security forces carried out the strike in the Ab e Kamarie district.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press did explicitly give a date for this strike so we have recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to any of the confirmed US strikes in Badghis on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badghis province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Badakhshan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badakhshan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Six strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Uruzgan on this day. Three Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike in Uruzgan province, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Khas Uruzgan district.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to any of the confirmed US strikes in Uruzgan on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Two strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Nine civilians were killed in a US airstrike in Logar province, New York Times reported.
The strike reportedly targeted "a tent of Kuchi nomads" in the Khaki Dag area of Baraki Barak district.
Of the nine civilians killed, four were children and three were women. Six others were reportedly injured in the strike.
We will contact Resolute Support to get their assessment of the civilian harm allegation and update this post with their response.
Two strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There are similarities between this incident and AFG2390 which was reported to have happened the day before - without further information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure if the refer to the same incident.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, New York Times Afghan War Casualty Report
One strike hit Kunduz province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Kunduz on this day. One Taliban fighter was killed in an airstrike in Kunduz province, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Charah Darah district.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to the confirmed US strike in Kunduz on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kunduz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Helmand on this day.
Two Taliban fighters were killed and one injured in an airstrike in Helmand province, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Dishu district.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to the confirmed US strike in Helmand on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Ghazni province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Ghazni on this day. A US airstrike has killed the deputy intelligence chief for the Taliban for Qarabagh in Ghazni, as well as seven other Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported.
The 203rd Thunder Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the US strikes were in the Khalo Khel and Sherabad areas of Qarabagh district.
The strike was also said to have destroyed a vehicle.
In a separate piece, Khaama Press reported that three suicide bombers were killed in an airstrike in Ghazni province - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
The Governor's office in Ghazni reportedly said that security forces carried out the strike at around 20:40 local time in the Mazar area of Geru district.
The suicide bombers were said to be "riding a Mazda type truck packed with explosives".
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that these refer to any of the confirmed US strikes in Ghazni on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press, Khaama Press
One strike hit Balkh province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Balkh province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
AFG2390 link
21 July 2019
- 0-8 reported killed
- 0-6 civilians reported killed, including 0-2 children
- 0-4 civilians reported injured, including 0-3 children
Six civilians have been killed in what is currently being called a "joint airstrike by NATO and Afghan forces" in eastern Logar province, AP reported.
Mohammad Naser Ghairat, a provincial councilman in Logar, blamed international forces for the strike, also saying that two children were among those killed.
A woman and three children were also said to have been wounded in the night-time attack in Baraki Barak district.
Logar's provincial police chief spokesperson, Shah Poor Ahmadzai, said a delegation has been sent to the area and that an investigation is underway.
We will reach out to Resolute Support for clarification of the US' involvement in this strike and update this entry when any new information comes to light.
In a separate report, Khaama Press reported that an airstrike in the province killed two Taliban fighters - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Military officials reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Baraki Barak district over the last 24 hours. We are therefore unsure whether it was conducted on July 20 or 21.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Two strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There are similarities between this incident and AFG2398 which was reported to have happened the following day - without further information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure if the refer to the same incident.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Associated Press, Khaama Press
One strike hit Kunduz province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kunduz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Badghis province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badghis province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
An airstrike in Uruzgan province killed 11 Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Military officials reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Khas Uruzgan district over the last 24 hours. We are therefore unsure whether it was conducted on July 20 or 21.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press did explicitly give a date for this strike so we have recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Khas Uruzgan, Uruzgan province
- Reference: Khaama Press
An airstrike in Ghazni province killed four Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Military officials reportedly said that the strike was carried out in the Qarabagh district over the last 24 hours. We are therefore unsure whether it was conducted on July 20 or 21.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press did explicitly give a date for this strike so we have recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Qarabagh district, Ghazni province
- Reference: Khaama Press
One strike hit Wardak province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Uruzgan on this day. Airstrikes in the province killed five Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it is not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Military officials reportedly said that separate strikes in Khas Uruzgan killed one and four Taliban fighters respectively.
While the report says that the security forces conducted the strike, we cannot definitely rule out US involvement as the security forces often call in US air support.
Khaama Press had not explicitly given a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Two strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Four strikes hit Kapisa province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kapisa province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Kandahar on this day. A US airstrike in Kandahar killed 27 Taliban fighters and wounded 18 more, Khaama Press reported.
The Kandahar Police Chief, General Tadin Khan Achakzai, reportedly said that US forces targeted a large gathering of the Taliban shortly after they arrived in their compounds.
He further added that those killed had arrived in Gulistan Valley of Shorabak in Land Cruiser vehicles to visit their headquarters.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Six strikes hit Ghazni province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Ghazni on this day. The Coalition forces conducted an airstrike in the province that killed seven Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported.
The 203rd Thunder Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the strike was carried out in the Juri area of Aab Band district.
Khaama Press is likely referring to the NATO coalition in which the US are the only known country to be flying strike missions.
Without further locational detail from US Forces, we cannot be sure that this refers to one of the confirmed US strikes in Ghazni on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Farah province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Badghis province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badghis province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
