Three U.S. Service Members Killed as Operation Epic Fury Intensifies

CENTCOM confirms additional injuries as combat operations against Iran continue and casualty notifications proceed.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Three American service members have been killed and at least five others seriously wounded in the opening phase of combat operations tied to Operation Epic Fury, according to an announcement Sunday from U.S. Central Command.

President Donald Trump first revealed the launch of the operation in a video message posted to Truth Social early Saturday morning, available here. The Pentagon later confirmed casualties as operations continued.

In a public update posted Sunday morning, CENTCOM reported the losses and ongoing engagement. The statement, shared here, read:

“As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. 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 added that further details would be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

“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,” the statement continued.

The casualties occurred amid a widening exchange of military strikes. Iranian forces launched missiles and drones targeting American and Israeli positions following the initial wave of U.S.-Israeli operations.

Those early strikes reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with at least 40 additional senior officials within the Iranian government and military command structure.

Defense officials have described the conflict environment as dynamic, with ongoing missile exchanges and continued U.S. and allied military activity in the region.

No further operational specifics were released Sunday, and Pentagon officials indicated updates would be provided as conditions evolve and family notifications are completed.