Two US service members were killed and one is missing after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at forces stationed in Jordan on Friday, US Central Command said Saturday.
The two troops died while defending against the attack alongside partner forces, according to a CENTCOM statement.
“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,” the command said.
“Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.”
The deaths are the first among US military personnel since President Donald Trump ended the cease-fire with Iran last week.
Four other US troops were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan after the attack. All four have since been released, the military said.
Photo: nypost.com
Other personnel who suffered minor injuries have already returned to duty.
The barrage involved both ballistic missiles and attack drones aimed at American and partner forces based in Jordan.
CENTCOM did not say where in Jordan the attack took place. It also did not give details about how the service members were killed, saying it was holding back further information out of respect for the families.
The military declined to name the troops who died. Their identities will not be released until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
US forces have come under repeated attack by Iran and its proxy groups across the Middle East in recent days.
Photo: nypost.com
Friday's strike is one of the deadliest days for American forces in the region in recent months.
Jordan hosts several US military installations and has long been a staging point for American operations across the Middle East. The kingdom shares borders with Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The attack comes after Trump moved to end the cease-fire with Iran last week, raising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US and partner forces have been on heightened alert as Iran and groups it backs step up their targeting of American positions.
CENTCOM said it would release more information as it becomes available.
Photo: nypost.com
The search for the missing service member was ongoing as of Saturday. The military did not say whether the person was believed to be alive.
The Pentagon has not said whether the United States plans to respond to the strike or how.
The full scale of the damage at the targeted site in Jordan has not been made public.
This is a developing story.
Source: NYPOST
Related Stories
Kevin Durant shockingly ignores Lionel Messi, Argentina soccer team at Fanatics Fest
Mel C Marries Model Boyfriend Chris Dingwall in Beautiful Countryside Wedding
Josh Kerr smashes 27-year-old world record for the fastest mile in front of 60,000 fans at London Stadium
Burna Boy and Shakira’s tight embrace during World Cup rehearsal goes viral, video emerges
R.I.P. Chef Dom Taylor: Star and Winner of Netflix’s ‘Five Star Chef,’ Dead at 44
