US Drone Strikes

14,709 confirmed strikes across 5 countries. 836–2,231 civilians killed, including 282–448 children.

14,709

Total Strikes

8,871–17,274

Total Killed

836–2,231

Civilians Killed

282–448

Children Killed

🌍 By Country

Afghanistan

13,072 strikes
2015-20214,126–10,076 killed300–909 civilians

Libya

550 strikes
2011-20190–0 killed0–0 civilians

Pakistan

430 strikes
2004-20182,515–4,026 killed424–969 civilians

Yemen

374 strikes
2002-20231,020–1,389 killed100–204 civilians

Somalia

283 strikes
2003-20231,210–1,783 killed12–149 civilians

🏛️ By President

Bush

60

strikes

452–674 killed

Obama

2,438

strikes

0–0 killed

Trump

11,951

strikes

0–0 killed

Biden

260

strikes

222–497 killed

📖 Context

The US drone program began under George W. Bush and expanded dramatically under Obama, who authorized 10x more strikes than his predecessor. Drone strikes are conducted under the 2001 AUMF and covert action authorities, often with no congressional oversight. Independent investigations have consistently found civilian casualty rates far higher than official Pentagon estimates. The program operates across multiple countries where the US has never declared war.