A US service member died in northern Iraq on Saturday "during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone," US Central Command announced. A second service member was wounded.
The death came a day after two US service members were killed in Jordan when American and partner forces came under Iranian missile and drone attack. That attack marked the first publicly acknowledged American military combat fatalities in the Middle East conflict since March.
Another US service member was reported missing following the attack. The Defense Department has not yet formally announced an additional fatality, though military personnel had located unidentified remains at the site.
US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said in a statement that the two service members were killed in Jordan as American and partner forces "defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks."
Centcom said four US service members were medically evacuated to local hospitals but have since been discharged, and several others received minor injuries. They returned to duty.
"Out of respect for the families," the military said, it will "withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified."
The US resumed combat operations against Iran earlier this month after a fragile ceasefire collapsed following unsuccessful attempts by the two sides to reach a peace deal.
Iran has carried out attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at countries across the Middle East, including those that host US bases.
The US has carried out near-daily strikes against Iran in response, targeting surveillance sites, weaponry, maritime capabilities, and other military facilities.
The US casualties are likely to trigger a strong response from the Trump administration.
