WASHINGTON: The US military has confirmed that two American service members were killed and several others were injured during an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan, marking one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces in the region in recent months.
In a statement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack occurred on July 17, when U.S. and allied forces were defending against Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. CENTCOM also said one U.S. service member remains missing.
According to the military, four injured service members were transported to hospitals in Jordan for treatment and have since been released. Other personnel who sustained minor injuries were treated and have returned to duty.
CENTCOM said the identities of the two deceased service members will be released 24 hours after their next of kin have been formally notified.
The confirmation came a day after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had targeted the Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan with missiles and drones. The IRGC claimed the attack destroyed two fighter jets, three U.S. aircraft, aircraft shelters and parking ramps at the base.
Those battlefield damage claims have not been independently verified, and the U.S. military has not confirmed the reported destruction of aircraft or other equipment. Russian media also reported that U.S. personnel had not been evacuated from the base before the attack.