The Syria Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, recover the body of Lutfi Hassan Masto who was killed by a US drone strike on May 3, 2023. (Twitter)

WASHINGTON — A formal investigation into a U.S. drone strike nearly two months ago in Syria that might have killed a civilian was launched last week, according to U.S. Central Command.

“The investigation team, led by a general officer, and comprised of subject matter experts from across CENTCOM will ascertain facts regarding pre-strike, conduct of the strike, and post-strike actions,” Maj. John Moore, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said in a statement.

CENTCOM originally claimed a drone strike that took place May 3 killed an influential al-Qaida leader. Officials walked back the claim after The Washington Post reported a civilian was killed by a U.S. missile while tending to his sheep.

Lotfi Hassan Masto, 56, whose family identified him as the victim of a Hellfire missile attack, was a former bricklayer who lived quietly in Qorqanya in northwest Syria, according to the Post report.

In August 2022, a year after U.S. forces killed seven children and three adults in an airstrike in Afghanistan, the Pentagon unveiled plans of establishing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan aimed at reducing civilian casualties during American military operations.

“The protection of civilians is a strategic priority as well as a moral imperative,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time. “Our efforts to mitigate and respond to civilian harm directly reflect our values and also directly contribute to achieving mission success.”