Two US soldiers dead, one missing after Iranian attacks

Two American soldiers have been confirmed dead after Iranian strikes hit an American military base in Jordan.

One more soldier is missing, while four others were hurt but have received treatment and are okay, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.

"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," CENTCOM posted on X.

"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."

"Out of respect for the families, CENTCOM will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified."

The deaths increase the total number of US personnel killed since the war started to 16, with over 400 wounded. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the first American casualties happened in March after three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait. Three American soldiers died in that crash, and four others were seriously hurt. Just hours later, another US soldier was killed by Iranian missiles.

The latest deaths come amid renewed conflict between the US and Iran.

This newspaper had earlier mentioned that many US soldiers were hurt in recent Iranian strikes on the military base in Jordan.

Iran has been targeting American bases in the Gulf in response to US attacks on Iran.

CENTCOM had earlier reported that the US conducted strikes on Friday night, marking the seventh night in a row. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei later accused the US of "repeated breaches of agreements" with Tehran. He called President Donald Trump’s signature "worthless and invalid."

The US has not only targeted Iranian military sites but also hit civilian infrastructure like bridges and water facilities in Iran.

Strikes on desalination pumps in the coastal village of Bunji cut off water supply to about 10,000 people across 20 villages.

In response, Iran fired strikes into Kuwait, causing a fire at a power and water desalination plant. The IRGC confirmed the attack, saying its naval forces struck the US fleet’s fuel support pier at the Al-Ahmadi port.

Meanwhile, US attacks on Hormozgan province in Southern Iran earlier today killed about three people and injured eight others. Attacks on the country since July 6 have led to the deaths of at least 50 people and injured more than 500, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.