In May 2023, a U.S. airstrike in Syria intended to target an al-Qaida leader resulted in the tragic death of an innocent civilian, Mr. Lufti Hasan Masto. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the misidentification of the target, acknowledging that Masto was struck and killed in the attack.
Initial reports from residents and family members following the strike indicated that the victim was a farmer who had no ties to armed groups. Masto, a 60-year-old shepherd, was reportedly tending to his sheep when the drone strike hit, causing outrage among his relatives and neighbors.
