A U.S. drone strike in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, led to the death of 30 civilian farmers who were engaged in harvesting crops. Local officials stated that the farmers were unarmed and that they invariably caught the attention of U.S. surveillance. The airstrike was reportedly aimed at Taliban fighters who were believed to be operating in the vicinity. However, the targeting was criticized for its collateral damage and the high number of civilian casualties, drawing attention to the considerable risks involved in drone operations in populated areas.

This incident highlights the complexities of warfare in Afghanistan, where the line between combatants and civilians often blurs. The use of drones has been a significant aspect of the U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan post-9/11, aimed at reducing troop casualties and increasing targeting precision. However, such strikes have frequently faced criticism from human rights organizations and local governments due to significant civilian losses and the psychological impact on surviving community members.

Following the event, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the strike, calling for accountability and transparency regarding U.S. military operations. This situation exacerbated existing tensions between the Afghan government and the U.S. military, particularly as peace negotiations with the Taliban were underway, raising concerns about the implications for ongoing talks and the overall security situation in the country.