TAMPA, Fla. (March 2, 2026) — Six U.S. service members have been killed in action as major combat operations continue in the Middle East under Operation Epic Fury, according to an update released Monday afternoon.
U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for service members from a facility struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin.
The operation, launched February 28 by United States Central Command at the direction of the President, began with coordinated strikes targeting key elements of Iran’s security infrastructure.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. and partner forces initiated strikes at 1:15 a.m. ET aimed at dismantling the Iranian regime’s security apparatus and neutralizing imminent threats. Targets included facilities tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
In the hours following the initial wave of strikes, U.S. and partner forces reportedly defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Officials said there have been no additional U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries beyond those previously reported. Damage to U.S. installations has been described as minimal and not impacting ongoing operations.
The early phase of Operation Epic Fury involved precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea platforms. CENTCOM also confirmed that Task Force Scorpion Strike deployed low-cost, one-way attack drones in combat for the first time.
Officials describe Operation Epic Fury as the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation. Combat operations remain ongoing.
