The newspaper Stars and Stripes has reported an increase in suicide cases among former U.S. military personnel, particularly those who are homeless or living with mental health conditions.
According to the report, veterans suffering from mental health disorders face a suicide rate that is 94 percent higher than that of others, while the rate among homeless veterans has risen by 146 percent.
The report further notes that more than half of former service members are struggling with severe pain, sleep disorders, and financial hardship, with individuals under the age of 34 facing the greatest risk.
U.S. military officials have stressed that effectively addressing this issue requires broader and more accessible healthcare and social support services for former service members.
The U.S. military, widely held responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries, has also previously recorded thousands of suicide cases among its active-duty personnel.