Two U.S. Troops Killed, One Missing During Iranian Attacks in Jordan, CENTCOM Says
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WASHINGTON/AMMAN (Terror Monitor) — Two U.S. service members were killed and another remains missing while defending Jordan against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, marking the first confirmed American combat fatalities linked to the latest Iran-related escalation.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. and coalition forces were conducting defensive operations on July 17 to protect Jordan from incoming Iranian missile and drone attacks when the casualties occurred. Several other U.S. personnel were injured, though most have since returned to duty after receiving medical treatment.
Four injured service members were transported to hospitals in Jordan and later discharged, while others with minor injuries resumed their operational responsibilities following medical evaluations.
CENTCOM said it is withholding the identities of the deceased out of respect for their families. The U.S. military will release their names no earlier than 24 hours after next of kin have been officially notified.
Iran Claims Strike on U.S. Base
Iran claimed it targeted a U.S. military base in Jordan with missile strikes. However, the extent of the damage and the claim could not be independently verified.
The incident comes amid heightened military tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over a broader regional conflict.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pays Tribute
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared CENTCOM's statement on X, paying tribute to the fallen troops.
"Fair winds and following seas, heroes. Their sacrifice only strengthens our resolve," he wrote.
Analysts say the incident marks the first confirmed U.S. military deaths related to Iran since the ceasefire reached earlier this year, potentially increasing the likelihood of further American military responses.
Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Attacks
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, condemned attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, describing them as a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
Iran Reports Civilian Casualties
Meanwhile, Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour claimed that U.S. strikes since July 6 have killed 50 people and wounded more than 500.
According to the spokesman, the dead include five women and two children under the age of 18, while 32 women and 18 teenagers were among the wounded. He added that 37 people remain hospitalized.
The competing claims could not be independently verified. Analysts warn that the deaths of U.S. troops and the continued exchange of strikes between Iran and the United States have significantly increased the risk of wider conflict across the Middle East.
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