US Central Command has confirmed that two American service members were killed and a third remains missing after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck a military position in Jordan, in what officials describe as one of the deadliest single attacks on US forces since the current escalation began.
Two American soldiers have been killed and a third is missing after Iranian forces launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at a US military installation in Jordan. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack took place on 17 July as American and partner forces worked to defend the position. Four additional service members were evacuated to Jordanian hospitals for treatment and have since been discharged, while others treated for minor injuries have already returned to duty. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Attack and immediate response
According to a CENTCOM statement, the two service members were killed in action as US and partner forces defended against the coordinated Iranian assault. A third service member remains missing, with search-and-recovery operations continuing while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. CENTCOM said the four troops evacuated to hospital have since been released, and that other personnel evaluated for minor injuries had already returned to duty, suggesting the overall casualty toll was contained despite the scale of the barrage.
In its statement, CENTCOM said: “On July 17, two US service members in Jordan were killed in action as US Central Command and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.” The command added that four American service members had been medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals before being discharged, and that other personnel treated for minor injuries had returned to duty.
Identities withheld pending notification
US military officials have not released the names of the two soldiers killed, in keeping with Pentagon policy requiring that families be notified before identities are made public. CENTCOM said it would withhold further details, including the fallen service members’ identities, until 24 hours after next of kin have been informed, “out of respect for the families.”
Part of a wider regional escalation
The strike on the Jordan installation formed part of a broader wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, with additional launches also targeting US forces and facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. The attacks followed recent American strikes inside Iran, and mark a further escalation in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack was carried out in retaliation for continued US airstrikes on Iranian territory.
CENTCOM described the deaths as among the most significant single losses suffered by US forces since the latest phase of the conflict began. Following the attack, the command said US forces had continued to carry out strikes against Iranian military targets, including surveillance systems, weapons storage sites and maritime capabilities.
