Four US troops killed in 'Epic Fury' Iran operation as Trump claims more deaths 'likely'
Topics: News, US News, Donald Trump
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images
Topics: News, US News, Donald Trump
Four American service members have been killed and four other have been seriously injured during Operation Epic Fury, according to the US.
U.S. Central Command confirmed these deaths on Monday in a statement.
On Sunday CENCOM said that three individuals had died however this was updated on Monday to note that another person had been killed.
Writing on social media, the update read: “TAMPA, Fla. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries.
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“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.
“The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.”
Donald Trump has previously taken to social media to address the ongoing conflict and the expectancy of further deaths.
The attack on Iran, a mission known as 'Operation Epic Fury', started over the weekend, and was started in an alleged bid to target Iran's nuclear regime and destroy the country's ballistic missiles.
The initial attacks are believed to have killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the president announced on Saturday (February 28).
Speaking in a video message, the POTUS said America would 'avenge' the deaths of the service members and that 'there will likely be more' killed before the conflict ends.
Trump made the comments in six-minute video he posted on social media.
Regarding the deceased service members, Trump called them 'true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives'.
He added: “Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more."
Regarding those that were seriously injured, Trump called for people’s prayers so that they would make a full recovery.
In addition to US troops being impacted, more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes that killed Khamenei and other senior leaders, according to Iranian leaders.
The US' attack against Iran last year in June, claimed to have targeted three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan shortly after Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iranian military and nuclear sites.
At the time, Trump posted to Truth Social, claiming the US’s attack on Iran was huge, writing: "Monumental Damage was done to all nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!"