BAGHDAD—A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, marking the latest American military casualty amid heightened regional tensions.
The incident occurred on July 18, according to a CENTCOM statement released on Sunday. The command said a second U.S. service member sustained a minor injury and continues to receive medical treatment.
CENTCOM said the unexploded ordnance originated from an Iranian one-way attack drone that had been brought down in northern Iraq. The command did not identify the service member who was killed, saying additional information would be withheld until next of kin notifications were completed.
The U.S. military did not immediately provide further details on the location of the incident or the circumstances surrounding the controlled detonation. It also did not indicate whether an investigation had been launched, although such inquiries are routine following fatal military incidents.
The death follows another deadly episode involving U.S. forces in the region. CENTCOM said separately that two U.S. service members were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack on U.S. and partner forces in Jordan on July 17. The command also announced that military personnel had located unidentified remains at the attack site after one service member had initially been listed as missing. Officials said an examination to confirm the identity of the remains is ongoing.
According to CENTCOM, four service members evacuated for medical treatment after the Jordan attack have since been discharged, while other personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty.
The latest casualty underscores the continuing risks posed by unexploded munitions and drone debris in conflict areas, even after hostile systems have been neutralized. Explosive ordnance disposal operations remain among the most hazardous tasks carried out by military personnel operating in active theaters.
The United States maintains forces in Iraq as part of ongoing missions supporting Iraqi security forces and countering militant threats, while also responding to broader regional security challenges. In recent months, U.S. military installations and personnel across the Middle East have faced repeated attacks involving missiles and one-way attack drones, which Washington has attributed to Iran or Iran-backed groups.
CENTCOM said no additional information on the fallen service member would be released until the notification process for the family is complete. The command said the wounded service member remains in stable condition and continues to receive medical care.
