Three American service members have been killed and five others were “seriously wounded” during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military confirmed [1].
Several additional personnel suffered minor shrapnel injuries and concussions. Those individuals have received treatment and are preparing to return to duty.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” U.S. Central Command said in an update released Sunday morning.
Central Command stated it is withholding the identities of the “fallen warriors” until 24 hours after their families have been notified.
Officials have not disclosed where the service members were killed.
Operation Epic Fury refers to ongoing military operations against Iran.
The casualties were reported as Iran launched attacks on U.S. bases across the Middle East in response to strikes that eliminated much of the Iranian leadership.
Those killed in the U.S.-Israeli military operation include Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was also killed in the operation.
Ahmadinejad had previously called for the extermination of Israel.
In retaliation for the strikes, Iran launched missiles and attack drones targeting U.S. allies in the region.
Countries affected include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. All five nations host U.S. military bases.
Military officials in those countries confirmed that missiles fired toward their territory were intercepted.
However, falling debris from the interceptions caused widespread damage.
In the United Arab Emirates, at least one person was killed and 11 others were injured during strikes at airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Authorities in the UAE confirmed the casualties and reported damage to airport facilities as a result of the attacks.
The broader regional response has centered on defending U.S. installations and allied infrastructure from further strikes.
U.S. Central Command has not provided additional details regarding the locations of the American casualties or the specific units involved.
The Sunday update from CENTCOM indicated that operations remain active.
The command did not provide a timeline for when combat operations might conclude.
Iran’s attacks mark a significant escalation following the elimination of senior Iranian leadership figures.
The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei represents a major development in the conflict.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s death was also confirmed as part of the same U.S.-Israeli military action.
U.S. military officials have not disclosed additional casualty figures beyond the three service members killed and five seriously wounded.
The number of minor injuries was not specified, though officials said those personnel are expected to return to duty.
Central Command has not released further operational details, citing ongoing combat conditions.
The identities of the three American service members killed will be made public after the required family notification period.
As missile and drone threats continue across the region, U.S. and allied forces remain on alert at bases throughout the Middle East.
The situation remains active, with CENTCOM stating that major combat operations are continuing and that response efforts are ongoing.