US military found unidentified remains in Jordan, another service member killed in Iraq: CENTCOM
Florida, July 20
The US Central Command on Sunday said that it recovered the remains of a military personnel following the "Iranian attack" in Jordan on July 17 and separately mentioned that an American service member was killed in Iraq.
Sharing the details in a post on X, the CENTCOM said, "Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two U.S. service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, U.S. military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing."
It further mentioned that an American service member was killed in action in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an exploded ordnance. As per CENTCOM, a second service member was wounded and is receiving medical treatment.
"Separately, a U.S. service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury."
The CENTCOM said that it is withholding additional information, including the identities of the missing and fallen warriors, out of respect for the families during the notification process.
Meanwhile in another post on X, the CENTCOM said that American forces continue implementing the naval blockade against Iran and that as of July 19, CENTCOM has redirected 6 commercial vessels and disabled 1 to ensure "full compliance."
This comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran escalated further on Sunday, with fresh military operations unfolding across West Asia, including reported US attacks on Iranian nuclear power plant infrastructure and military assets, with Tehran's retaliatory drone attacks against Washington allies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is investigating reports of an overnight attack on the under-construction nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.
"The IAEA is looking into reports of an overnight attack on the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, Iran. The facility is in the very early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material when last visited by the IAEA," the agency said in a post on X.
The UN nuclear watchdog said the reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk.
"While the reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk, DG Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterates call for military restraint in the vicinity of all nuclear-related sites," the agency said, adding that it had contacted Iran and would provide further information as it became available.
Iran later claimed that the United States had struck the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant. According to state broadcaster IRIB, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) said the strike occurred at about 3:39 am local time.
Iran also claimed that the IRGC had intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over Ahvaz, while the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported fresh US airstrikes on Qeshm Island, where at least two explosions were heard. Emergency, security and operational teams were deployed to assess damage and casualties.
The United States, meanwhile, announced another round of military operations against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had completed "another round of strikes against Iran" under the direction of President Trump.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted Iranian coastal surveillance networks, air defence systems, maritime assets and missile and drone storage facilities to further degrade "Iranian military capabilities."
The command also said US forces struck IRGC personnel responsible for attacks on American troops in Jordan, saying the operation was intended to "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night."
CENTCOM added that the strikes were designed to "further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz" and stressed that US forces remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I'm concerned about the humanitarian aspect. Two American soldiers killed, families grieving... but also the civilian casualties that might occur. War never brings peace, only more violence. Sad to see West Asia becoming a battlefield again. 🤷♀️
India should stay neutral on this. We have good relations with both US and Iran. Let them sort out their own mess. Our focus should be on protecting Indian diaspora in the region and ensuring oil supply lines remain open. This is not our war to comment on.
Calling it an "Iranian attack" when it happened in Jordan seems like a stretch. And attacking a nuclear plant under construction? The IAEA itself said there's no nuclear material there. Feels like the US is looking for excuses to escalate. Where will this end? 😤
As an American living in India, I see both sides. My heart goes out to the families of those killed, but this cycle of violence has to stop. India's balanced approach to foreign policy is something the US could learn from. You can't bomb your way to peace.
Interesting how the CENTCOM mentions "naval blockade against Iran" and disabling commercial vessels. That's a blockade in international waters? India imports oil from Iran too. Modi ji should issue a strong statement on maintaining freedom of navigation. 🌊
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