U.S. Central Command confirmed Sunday that three U.S. service members were killed and five others were seriously wounded during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. military campaign in the region. Additional personnel sustained minor injuries, including concussions and shrapnel wounds, and are being evaluated or have already returned to duty.
Officials said the names of the fallen will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notifications are complete, in accordance with Defense Department policy.
Operation Epic Fury began last week as part of expanded U.S. military action targeting hostile forces and infrastructure. While CENTCOM has not released specific details about the engagement that resulted in the casualties, officials described conditions as fluid and combat operations as ongoing.
If confirmed as tied to the opening phase of the operation, the deaths would mark the first publicly acknowledged U.S. combat fatalities associated with Epic Fury.
The five seriously wounded service members are receiving medical care. Their current conditions and unit affiliations were not immediately released.
U.S. forces across the region remain on heightened alert as commanders assess force protection measures and potential follow-on actions. Senior defense officials are expected to brief lawmakers in the coming hours as the scope and trajectory of the operation continue to develop.
Operation Epic Fury represents a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement, drawing attention from defense leaders and policymakers monitoring the situation closely.
This is a breaking story. Military.com will update this report as additional details become available, including the identities of the fallen service members and further information about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The losses serve as a stark reminder of the risks facing American troops deployed overseas and the speed with which regional tensions can shift into active combat.
UPDATE: In a video address Sunday afternoon, President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the deaths of the three service members and offered condolences to their families. He described the fallen as “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation” and said the nation grieves with them, while also praying for the full recovery of the wounded. Trump warned that “sadly, there will likely be more” U.S. casualties before the completion of the operation and emphasized that combat operations are continuing “in full force” and will proceed until all U.S. objectives are achieved. He also vowed that the United States would “avenge their deaths” and maintain its resolve, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing military engagement.
