Two US service members were killed in Jordan on Friday after American and partner forces came under Iranian missile and drone fire, the Pentagon said on Saturday.
Another US service member is missing, and several others were injured in the Iranian attacks. It marks the first publicly acknowledged American military combat fatalities in the Middle East conflict since March.
Sixteen US service members have now been killed, in accidents or as a result of enemy action, during the conflict with Iran. More than 425 others have been injured over the course of the fighting, which began when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran on February 28.
US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said in a statement that the two service members were killed as American and partner forces “defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.”
Centcom said four US service members were medically evacuated to local hospitals but have since been discharged, and several others received minor injuries. They returned to duty.
“Out of respect for the families,” the military said, it will “withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.”
The US resumed combat operations against Iran earlier this month after a fragile ceasefire collapsed following unsuccessful attempts by the two sides to reach a peace deal.
Iran has carried out attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at countries across the Middle East, including those that host US bases.
The US has carried out near-daily strikes against Iran in response, targeting surveillance sites, weaponry, maritime capabilities, and other military facilities.
The US casualties are likely to trigger a strong response from the Trump administration.
