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 5
Five 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.
Two Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike in Kandahar, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
According to their "informed military sources" the strike was conducted in the Ghorak 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 not explicitly give a date for this strike, but reported on it the day after the confirmed US strike.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure if Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Four 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 Ghazni 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: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
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
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.
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 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.
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: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
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.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Balkh on this day.
In what appears to be a continuation from strikes the day before in Balkh, Khaama Press are now reporting that 66 Taliban fighters have been killed - a rise from the 20 that they reported yesterday.
The 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said that strikes were conducted in various parts of the Zari 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.
The statement reportedly said that the A-29s and MD-530F fighter planes were used - both of which are known to be used by the Afghan Air Force.
The airstrikes also destroyed a weapons and munitions depot, a Dshk heavy machine gun and more than 15 motorcycles.
It is unclear whether the fighting continued into August 23 or whether this was simply an updated death toll.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Balkh province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
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
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
Two strikes 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
Seven 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
Two strikes 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
One strike hit Nimroz province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Nimroz on this day. An airstrike in the province destroyed a weapons cache, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" reportedly said that the strike was conducted in the Khash Rod 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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 22 or 21. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press are referring to the confirmed US strike in Nimroz on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nimroz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Seven 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
Five 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 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
Five 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
Two strikes 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
Four strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Helmand on this day. An airstrike in the province destroyed a small weapons cache, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" reportedly said that the strike was conducted in the Maiwand 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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 22 or 21. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it. US Forces - Afghanistan reported strikes on both of these days.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure whether Khaama Press is referring to one of the four confirmed US strikes 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 a strike in Ghazni on this day. Airstrikes in the province killed six Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military sources" said that the strikes were conducted in the Ghazni district of the province.
The multiple airstrikes were also said to have destroyed a large weapons cache.
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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 22 or 21. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it. US Forces - Afghanistan reported strikes in Ghazni on both of these days.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure whether Khaama Press is referring to the confirmed US strike on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Airstrikes in Balkh province killed 20 Taliban fighters and wounded several others, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
The 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the strikes conducted in the Zara district of Balkh were targeting the Taliban and their fighting positions.
The strikes were also said to have destroyed an explosives and weapons cache, a Dshk heavy machine gun and several IEDs.
Khaama Press did explicitly give a date for this strike so we have recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
We are currently unable to record this incident in our database of confirmed US strikes due to vague sourcing.
US Forces - Afghanistan did not report any strikes in Balkh on this day in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Zara district, Balkh province
- Reference: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike 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
Three strikes 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
One strike hit Nimroz 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: Nimroz province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Four strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Nangarhar on this day. An airstrike in Nangarhar destroyed a weapons cache, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Security officials reportedly told Khaama Press that the strike was conducted in the Achin 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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 21 or 20. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes in Nangarhar on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Five 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
Nine strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Helmand on this day. An airstrike in Helmand province killed five Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Military officials reportedly said that security forces conducted the strike in the Kajaki district of the province.
The strike was also reportedly said to have destroyed a weapons cache.
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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 21 or 20. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes 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.
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: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes 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
Two strikes hit Farah province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Farah on this day.
An airstrike in western Farah province killed a Taliban commander and five of his comrades, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
According to a statement reportedly released by Special Operations Corps of the Afghan military, the security forces conducted the airstrike in Todanak area of Bala Bolok district.
Hafiz Qudrat, was the commander reportedly killed.
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 not explicitly give a date for this strike, but it was reported on the day after the confirmed US strike.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Ten Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike in Balkh province, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Security officials reportedly told Khaama Press that the strike was conducted in the Sholgarah district by the security forces.
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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 21 or 20. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it.
US Forces - Afghanistan did not report strikes in Balkh on either of these days in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Sholgarah district, Balkh province
- Reference: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Wardak province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of a strike in Afghanistan on this day.
Three Taliban fighters were killed, including two senior commanders, in an airstrike in Wardak province, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
The 203rd Thunder Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the security forces conducted the strike in the Pul-e Deh Hayat of Nerkh district.
The strike was said to have targeted senior Taliban leaders and was successful in killing both the shadow intelligence chief and the Red Unit commander.
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 not explicitly give a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
A separate Khaama Press report also detailed another incident in Wardak on this date.
An airstrike in Wardak province killed a member of the Haqqani network, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Security officials reportedly told Khaama Press that the strike was conducted in the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak.
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 said that the strike had happened in the last 24 hours, so it is currently unclear whether it was August 21 or 20. We have recorded it as the date that they reported on it.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press are referring to the confirmed US strike in Afghanistan.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Two 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. US forces used guided rockets to target Taliban positions in Uruzgan province that killed ten fighters and wounded 16 others, Khaama Press reported.
The 205th Atal Corps of the Afghan military reportedly said in a statement that the attack was based on intelligence reports and was conducted in the Hoshi area of Charchino district.
We are currently unable to record this incident in our database of confirmed US strikes due to vague sourcing.
Khaama Press did not explicitly give a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press are referring to one of the confirmed US strikes 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 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
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
Seven strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Nangarhar on this day.
An airstrike in Nangarhar killed six fighters from Afghanistan's branch of the Islamic State, Khaama Press reported - though it was not clear whether US or Afghan forces were responsible.
Their "informed military officials" said that the strike killed six fighters, while the Nangarhar governor's office said that it was conducted around 10:40am local time in the Pacher wa Agam district.
The statement that the governor's office released also reportedly added that two of those killed were Pakistani nationals fighting in ISIS ranks.
The strike was also said to have destroyed a hideout of the group, a Dshk heavy machine gun and an Ak-47.
No reference was made in Khaama Press' article as to who conducted the strike.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press are referring to one of the confirmed US strikes on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Four strikes hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been previous reports of strikes in Logar on this day. US strikes across two districts of Logar province killed ten Taliban fighters, Khaama Press reported.
The 203rd Thunder Corps reportedly said in a statement that the strikes were conducted in the Zarghoon Shahr of Mohammad Agha district and the Bidak area of Charkh district.
A vehicle was also said to have been destroyed in the strike.
Khaama Press did not explicitly give a date for this strike so we recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
Without further locational information from US Forces - Afghanistan, we cannot be sure that Khaama Press is referring to one of the confirmed US strikes on this day.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
One strike hit Laghman 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: Laghman province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five 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
US strikes in Ghazni province killed six Taliban fighters across two districts of the province, Khaama Press reported.
The 203rd Thunder Corps reportedly said in a statement that the strikes were conducted in the Ghap area of Aab Band district and Gawmeshak area of Qarabagh district.
Khaama Press did explicitly give a date for this strike so we have recorded it as the date that it was reported on.
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: Ghap area, Aab Band district & Gawmeshak area, Qarabagh district, Ghazni province
- Reference: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
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
Six 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
