The US military has found unidentified remains at the location of an Iranian attack in Jordan, where two American service members were killed and a third went missing on July 17. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the discovery on Sunday, July 19, after a thorough search of the site.
Remains Discovery and Verification
CENTCOM stated that military personnel found the remains earlier on Sunday. An examination process is now underway to verify the identity, meaning the fate of the missing service member has not yet been officially confirmed. In a statement, 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."
Separate Incident in Iraq
In a separate development, CENTCOM confirmed that another US service member was killed in action in northern Iraq on July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and is receiving medical treatment for what CENTCOM described as a minor injury. CENTCOM is withholding further information, including the identities of the missing and fallen service members, "out of respect for the families during the notification process."
US Retaliatory Strikes
The update comes as the US military launches fresh airstrikes targeting Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for the killing of American troops in Jordan. These strikes are part of a week-long campaign that has seen Iran target US-allied countries across the Middle East. The deaths of the two American service members in Jordan were announced as Tehran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks in the region following consecutive nights of US strikes targeting Iran.
Attacks on Regional Allies
Iran also launched attacks targeting Bahrain and Jordan, while Kuwait's armed forces reported that Iranian ballistic missiles and drones had been intercepted. One of the strikes targeted Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, also known as Azraq, a joint Royal Jordanian Air Force and US Air Force installation in Jordan's Zarqa Governorate. The base has hosted US F-15, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as MQ-9 Reaper drones, making it a significant hub for American airpower in the region.
Official Response
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the deaths of the two American service members in Jordan in a social media post, writing: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
