US troop killed in Iran-related action in Iraq
Washington, July 20
A US service member was killed in action in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone, the US Central Command said.
Taking to social media platform X, CENTCOM on Sunday said, a second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury.
Separately, US military personnel found unidentified remains on Sunday after CENTCOM announced on Saturday the deaths of two US service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.
An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing, CENTCOM said.
"CENTCOM is withholding additional information, including the identities of the missing and fallen warriors, out of respect for the families during the notification process."
In its latest post on X, CENTCOM said that as of Sunday, it had redirected six commercial vessels and disabled one as US forces continue implementing the naval blockade against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that it has intercepted and shot down the United States' MQ-9 drone in Iran's Ahvaz, local media reported.
The advanced air‑defence system operated by the IRGC Aerospace Force under the command of Iran's integrated air defence network shot down the MQ‑9 drone, Iran's Tasnim News Agency said. The announcement comes as Iran continues to carry out retaliatory action against the US military targets in West Asia.
Meanwhile, Commander of the central Khatam al‑Anbiya headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, has warned that Iran's Armed Forces will give a devastating response to the US for any act of aggression, Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said.
On Saturday, Iran's IRGC said that it has attacked a US base in Jordan, targeted a fuel supply dock in Kuwait and destroyed a data centre in Bahrain, state media reported.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Why does the US always get dragged into these conflicts? Looks like a proxy war situation again. Sad for the families of the soldiers lost. Hope India stays out of this mess.
India has always called for de-escalation. This is what happens when countries use military blockades and drone warfare. RIP to the soldier, but this seems like a predictable outcome of US policy in the region.
The geopolitics here is very complex. While we sympathize with the loss of life, one must wonder about the larger game being played. Iran's actions and US responses are putting the entire region at risk. Diplomatic solutions are needed urgently.
Controlled detonation or not, these two countries are at each other's throats. India must strengthen its own defence and energy security. We need a stable Middle East for millions of our workers there. 🕊️
This is so tragic. A family just lost their loved one. The US should reconsider its strategy in the Middle East. Escalation only leads to more death. Praying for peace. 🙏
Some people in the comments seem to be blaming the US entirely, but Iran attacked first with drones. Both sides
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.