Six U.S. service members have been killed in action following the massive U.S.-Israel military operation launched in Iran Saturday that sparked swift retaliation.
The big picture: President Trump has warned more will likely die before the operation ends.
State of play: Monday afternoon, U.S. Central Command confirmed that U.S. forces recovered the remains of two service members from a facility struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region. The deaths were previously unaccounted for.
- "As the president warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a Monday briefing. "War is hell and always will be."
- The deaths of three other U.S. service members were confirmed Sunday.
Zoom out: Three U.S. fighter jets supporting Operation Epic Fury were also mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses Sunday night, U.S. Central Command said in a Monday statement. All six aircrew ejected safely and are in stable condition.
- The incident shows how chaotic the air war with Iran has become as allies defend against Iranian attacks while American jets fly through the same airspace.
Context: Kuwait, which has acknowledged the incident, is one of several Gulf states that have come under Iranian retaliation since the U.S.–Israel strikes began Saturday, with missiles and drones hitting near Kuwait's international airport and U.S. facilities.
Go deeper: Exclusive: Trump floats "off ramps" after attacking Iran
Editor's note: This story was updated with new developments.
