After a day of lethal drone and missile strikes across the Middle East, the US military has confirmed the first American fatalities linked to the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.
Officials say at least three US service members were killed amid Iran’s response, which reportedly struck multiple American military locations in the region as well as sites connected to Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
US Central Command, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, announced the deaths on Sunday morning, March 1, writing: “As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.
“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”
The announcement marks the first official confirmation of US deaths following Iran’s retaliatory campaign in the wake of what the US and Israel have described as a “pre-emptive” strike a day earlier. The exchange has involved drones and ballistic missiles, with reports indicating a high-value radar installation in Qatar was destroyed and that additional American bases and command centers were also targeted.
The Department of Defense has not released the names of those killed, nor has it specified the country where the deaths occurred.
CENT COM’s statement continued: “The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.”
More to follow.