In their January 9, 2022 report published by Human Rights Watch, Letta Tayler and Elisa Epstein described the 2019 Baghuz strike as an apparent war crime, relying on a New York Times investigation of attacks on women, children and fleeing survivors.

General Michael Garrett's May 11, 2022 review concluded that the March 18, 2019 Baghuz strikes complied with presidentially authorized defensive rules and the law of war. It found civilian-harm reporting deficiencies but no malicious concealment. The ground force commander authorized the strikes.