The United States military has confirmed that two American service members were killed in action and another is missing following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on US and partner forces in Jordan.
In a statement issued on Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the casualties occurred on July 17 as American and partner forces defended against the attacks.
CENTCOM also said four US service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan following the incident but have since been discharged. Other personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty.
The military said it would withhold the identities of the two fallen service members, as well as additional details, until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
The latest deaths increase the number of US service members killed since the start of the conflict with Iran to at least 16, according to reports from Washington. If the missing service member is confirmed dead, the toll could rise to 17.
Speaking from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera correspondent Patty Culhane said the latest casualties are likely to intensify public opposition to the war in the United States.
She noted that 13 US service members were killed during the initial phase of the conflict, while another pilot later died in a crash, bringing the total to 14 before the latest incident.
Culhane said the deaths come at a politically difficult time for US President Donald Trump, adding that opinion polls already show broad public opposition to the conflict and that the latest casualties could further weaken support for the war.
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