The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that two American service members were killed in Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on a US military base in Jordan on July 17. One additional soldier is currently listed as missing, while four others were injured in the strikes and have since been treated and discharged from Jordanian hospitals.
Details of the Attack
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said: “On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing. Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty.”
The command added that it would withhold the identities of the fallen soldiers until 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications are complete.
Casualty Toll Since War’s Start
The deaths bring the total number of US personnel killed since the beginning of the war to 16, with more than 400 wounded. Earlier in March, three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait, killing three American soldiers and seriously injuring four others. Hours later, another US soldier was killed by Iranian missiles.
Renewed US-Iran Exchanges
The latest casualties are part of a series of retaliatory strikes between the US and Iran. CENTCOM earlier announced that the US had carried out strikes on Friday night, marking the seventh consecutive night of American attacks. Iran has continued to target American bases in the Gulf in response to US strikes on Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei accused the US of “repeated breaches of agreements” with Tehran and described President Donald Trump’s signature as “worthless and invalid.”
Civilian Infrastructure Damage
US strikes have not only targeted Iranian military facilities but also damaged civilian infrastructure, including bridges, water, and power facilities. Attacks on desalination pumps in the coastal village of Bunji cut water supply to approximately 10,000 people across 20 villages.
In a “corresponding response,” Iran fired strikes into Kuwait, causing a fire at a power and water desalination plant. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, stating that its naval forces hit the US fleet’s fuel support pier at the Al-Ahmadi port in Kuwait.
Human Cost in Iran
US attacks on Hormozgan province in southern Iran earlier on the same day killed about three people and injured eight others. According to the Iranian Health Ministry, attacks on the country since July 6 have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500.
