Why is it so hard to get correct estimates of casualties during war
There are several reasons why it is difficult to get correct estimates of casualties during war:
1. Chaos and confusion: During the chaos of war, accurate accounting of casualties can be difficult. Bodies may be quickly buried or removed from the battlefield, making it hard to track the exact number of individuals killed or wounded.
2. Lack of access: Journalists, aid workers, and other observers may be restricted from accessing conflict zones, making it hard to gather accurate information on casualties.
3. Disinformation and propaganda: Parties involved in a conflict may intentionally provide false information about casualties in order to manipulate public opinion or discourage the enemy.
4. Incomplete data: In some cases, casualties may go unreported or may be overlooked due to the sheer scale of the conflict.
5. Political motivations: Governments or military leaders may downplay casualty figures to minimize public backlash or to maintain morale among their troops.
6. Inadequate infrastructure: In war-torn regions, infrastructure for collecting and verifying casualty data may be severely limited, making it difficult to accurately estimate casualties.
Overall, the fog of war, deliberate obfuscation, and logistical challenges make it difficult to obtain accurate estimates of casualties during conflict.