An American military member lost their life while conducting a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance in northern Iraq, marking the third recent US casualty. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident on July 19, stating that the service member passed away on July 18, with another sustaining minor injuries during the detonation. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
This latest fatality brings the total number of US troops killed to 17 since the commencement of the Iran conflict on February 28, following joint US-Israeli strikes on various locations within Iran. Additionally, two other US service members were killed in Iranian attacks in Jordan on Friday, with a third serviceman reported missing.
CENTCOM announced on Sunday the discovery of unidentified remains at the site, initiating procedures for identification. The statement indicated that two US service members had passed away in Jordan due to an Iranian attack on July 17, and another service member in northern Iraq was killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from an Iranian drone. A second member sustained injuries and is receiving medical care for a minor wound.
Amid escalating tensions, both the US and Iran have engaged in attacks on each other, with the US launching consecutive strikes on Iran and Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks on US targets in the Gulf. These hostilities have intensified following the collapse of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month. The MoU aimed to end the conflict, restore international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and address disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite efforts to establish a lasting peace agreement, Iran withdrew from the MoU citing alleged American violations. US President Donald Trump declared an end to the ceasefire during a NATO summit in Türkiye, expressing disdain towards the Iranian government. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.