The US military said on Sunday it had recovered unidentified remains following an Iranian attack in Jordan, while another American service member was killed in Iraq during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, as Washington continued its military campaign against Iran.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the remains were found after a search at the site of the July 17 Iranian attack in Jordan, where two US service members were earlier confirmed dead and one was reported missing. The military said the remains are undergoing identification.
"Yesterday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two US service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, US military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing."
In a separate incident, CENTCOM said a US service member was killed in northern Iraq on July 18 while carrying out a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. Another service member sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
"Separately, a U.S. service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury."
CENTCOM said it was withholding the identities of the missing and fallen personnel until their families had been notified.
The developments came as US forces launched another round of strikes on Iran under President Donald Trump's direction. CENTCOM said the attacks targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps coastal surveillance networks, air defence systems, maritime assets, and missile and drone storage facilities to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce its ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The command said the strikes were also intended to "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces" responsible for attacks on American troops in Jordan. In a separate update, CENTCOM said US forces continued enforcing the naval blockade on Iran, adding that six commercial vessels had been redirected and one vessel disabled as of July 19 to ensure "full compliance."
The latest escalation came as the International Atomic Energy Agency said it was investigating reports of an overnight strike on the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant in Iran's Khuzestan province. Iran later claimed the United States had struck the facility, while Iranian media also reported fresh US airstrikes on Qeshm Island and the downing of a US MQ-9 drone over Ahvaz.
