Fact-check · Nov 10, 2026 · Pete Hegseth
“Secretary of defense Peter Hexas directed the department of Defense in a manner leading to the deaths of an estimated 224 debt civilians”
MOSTLY TRUE
What the record shows
Airwars documented at least 224 civilians killed in Operation Rough Rider (March-May 2025); DoD's own assessment lists 153 confirmed civilian deaths from three strikes in Yemen.
The 224 figure is accurate per Airwars, an independent monitoring organization. However, DoD's official count is 153. The claim conflates independent estimates with directed orders.
Sources
- April 24, 2025 Peter Hegseth Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon
- US Airstrikes in Yemen Killed 153 Civilians in 2025, Pentagon Review Finds - Bloomberg
- U.S. military operations killed 153 civilians last year, Pentagon says - CBS News
- Pentagon Admits Yemen Strikes Likely Killed Civilians
- Why is Hegseth facing impeachment? Inside the 8 articles on Iran, Maduro and more - CBS News
- Impeachment Live Updates: House Reads Accusations Against Pete Hegseth
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