A US military service member has died from injuries sustained during Iran’s initial attacks across the Middle East, taking the total number of American troops killed in the conflict to seven, the US military said on Sunday.
The service member had been critically injured during an attack on American troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1, when Iran launched strikes across several locations in the region.
“Last night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.
“The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1.”
Seventh casualty in Operation Epic Fury
CENTCOM confirmed that the death marks the seventh US service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing war with Iran.
“This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury. Major combat operations continue,” the command said.
Identity withheld pending notification
The military said the identity of the fallen service member will be withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, in line with US military protocol.
The announcement comes a day after the dignified transfer ceremony for six US troops killed earlier in the conflict was held at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, attended by US President Donald Trump and senior officials alongside the families of the fallen soldiers.
Trump had earlier said more casualties were possible as the conflict continues, noting that attending such ceremonies is “a part of war.”
