Six US troops killed in Iranian strike as Operation Epic Fury intensifies

The deadly attack occurred Sunday morning local time at the Shuaiba port in Kuwait.

By World Israel News

The number of American troops killed in the growing confrontation with Iran has climbed to six, according to updated information from U.S. Central Command, marking the first U.S. combat deaths since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.–Israeli campaign that began late last week.

Initially, officials reported that several service members had been killed and five others seriously wounded during Iran’s initial wave of attacks. One of the critically injured later died, raising the toll at the time.

On Monday afternoon, CENTCOM announced that two additional previously unaccounted-for service members had been recovered from the strike site, bringing the total number of fatalities from the incident to six.

The deadly attack occurred Sunday morning local time at the Shuaiba port in Kuwait. According to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to CNN, the service members were killed by a direct Iranian strike on a makeshift operations center located at the civilian port.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier that the projectile struck a “tactical operation center that was fortified,” explaining that despite air defenses in place, there was “one” projectile that penetrated. CNN had previously reported that the incident was suspected to have involved a drone.

The source described the structure as a triple-wide trailer used as office space. The strike reportedly hit just after 9 a.m. local time, without warning sirens or alerts that would have allowed troops to take cover.

The impact was devastating: the interior was blackened, walls were blown outward by the blast, and portions of the structure were peeling away. Hours after the explosion, parts of the building were still smoldering.

Satellite imagery taken Sunday morning showed flames engulfing a building at the port, with thick dark smoke rising into the sky.

A comparison of images from June 26, 2025 and March 1, 2026 highlights the damage at the site where the American service members were killed.

U.S. Central Command initially confirmed three fatalities but did not disclose the location of the strike. Dozens of personnel were present at the site when the attack occurred.

In the aftermath, two service members remained unaccounted for amid the wreckage and fire. Recovery efforts took time due to ongoing flames and structural damage, officials said.

In a subsequent statement, CENTCOM said U.S. forces “recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members” from the struck facility. The military has not yet released the names of the fallen, as families are still being notified.

Beyond the six killed, CENTCOM confirmed that 18 troops have been seriously wounded during the broader operation.

Several others suffered minor injuries, including concussions and shrapnel wounds, and are expected to return to duty.

The six deaths represent the first Americans killed in action in the operation against Iran, which began early Saturday Eastern time.

Both President Donald Trump and Hegseth have indicated that further casualties are possible as the conflict continues.

Speaking Monday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine honored the fallen troops, calling them “the best that our nation has to offer” and “true examples of what selfless service means.”

“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with their families, their friends, and their units,” he said. “We grieve with you and we will never forget you.”