Pentagon Reports 21 US Service Member Deaths in Iran War

The United States Department of Defense reported on October 15 that 21 U.S. service members have died and 865 have been injured since the start of war with Iran on February 26. These casualties occurred during Operation Epic Fury and subsequent Overseas Operations that began on July 7. The Pentagon updated these figures after reporting by the Washington Post indicated that previous casualty counts were underreported.

Combat losses include deaths resulting from Iranian missile and drone attacks at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, an unmanned aircraft system attack in Kuwait, and a drone detonation incident in Iraq. Noncombat fatalities include a refueling plane crash that killed six Air Force members, a Navy helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea, a training accident in Iraq, and various medical emergencies.

The White House had previously announced on May 5 that Operation Epic Fury concluded following regional ceasefires and operational shifts.