By Desire Emmanuel with Agency Reports
Three American soldiers have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded within the 24 hours that Operation Epic Fury air strikes against Iran began.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said this in a statement on social media on Sunday, confirming the first American casualties of the war by the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran that began on Saturday.
“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” CENTCOM said, without providing additional information on the nature of any of the casualties.
“The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” CENCOM added.
President Donald Trump had on Saturday warned there could be casualties as a result of the air strikes.
“That often happens in war. But we are doing this not for now, we are doing this for the future and it is a noble mission,” Trump said.
In another development, Iran on Sunday launched counterattacks across Israel and several Gulf states that host US assets, with explosions reported in multiple cities and damage to key infrastructure.
Airports also suspended operations, flights across the Middle East have been disrupted, and governments are scrambling to assess the security fallout.
The escalation comes as Iran begins a formal succession process to replace Ayatollah Khamenei, only the second such leadership transition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Markets, policymakers and regional leaders are now watching closely to see how far the conflict spreads, and whether the power shift in Tehran alters Iran’s political trajectory or further entrenches its security-first stance.
