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The US military said six American service members have been killed since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, as major combat operations continue amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
A still image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) of a jet take-off during Op Epic Fury. (Photo: X/@CENTCOM/Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 3, 2026 05:06 IST
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that the number of American service members killed since the launch of Operation Epic Fury has risen to six, as fighting across the Middle East intensifies.
"As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six US service members have been killed in action," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
The command added that US forces had recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region.
"Major combat operations continue. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification," the statement said.
CONFLICT EXPANDS ACROSS THE REGION
The casualties came amid widening hostilities between Iran and the joint front of Israel and the US, following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states that host US military bases.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said in an initial tally that about 550 people have been killed in Iran so far, though some estimates of the overall toll in the country are far higher amid ongoing hostilities.
Over the weekend, Iranian attacks on Kuwait led to American casualties. CENTCOM also confirmed that Kuwait mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighter jets during an Iranian barrage. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered.
The US military said it has struck more than 1,250 targets in Iran and destroyed 11 Iranian ships since the operation began.
OPERATION COULD LAST WEEKS
US President Donald Trump has said that the campaign may stretch on for weeks.
"Right from the beginning, we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that," Trump said at the White House.
In the first formal Pentagon briefing since the campaign began, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine said additional US forces were deploying to the region.
"This is not a single overnight operation. The military objectives will take some time to achieve, and in some cases will be difficult and gritty work," Caine said.
- Ends
(With inputs from agencies)
Published On:
Mar 3, 2026 05:06 IST
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