WASHINGTON — Two U.S. service members were killed and another remains missing after an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, the U.S. military said on Saturday, marking the first confirmed American combat deaths from direct Iranian fire since the latest phase of the conflict began.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the troops were killed while U.S. and partner forces defended against the attack. Four additional U.S. service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan and have since been treated and released, according to the command.
CENTCOM said it was withholding the identities of the two killed service members and additional details out of respect for their families until next of kin notifications have been completed. The military did not immediately provide further information on the missing service member or the circumstances surrounding the search.
The attack came amid an escalating exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran across the Middle East. Iranian officials have acknowledged carrying out attacks against U.S.-linked military targets in the region, while Washington has continued military operations against Iranian targets.
U.S. officials have not released additional operational details about the strike, and the full extent of damage at the Jordan base remains unclear. Authorities said the situation is continuing to develop as efforts to determine the status of the missing service member remain underway.
