WASHINGTON : At least 13 American service members have been killed in the Middle East over the past two weeks amid escalating tensions and clashes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal WSJ.
The report, citing official sources, details that six of the fatalities occurred in Kuwait and another six in Iraq. An additional US soldier was killed in separate events elsewhere in the region .
The casualties are linked to the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, which has seen heightened hostilities between US-led forces and Iran. The deadliest incidents include an Iranian drone attack on a US base in Kuwait and the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq, which claimed the lives of all six crew members on board .
In addition to the fatalities, at least 10 US soldiers sustained serious injuries during the ongoing operations and required immediate medical care. The report further indicates that of the approximately 200 personnel injured in various incidents, 170 have since recovered and returned to their duties .
The mounting toll has put a spotlight on the security of American installations. The Wall Street Journal noted that US military facilities and personnel are facing significant security concerns due to the increasing volatility in the region, prompting a tightening of security measures .
The threat has extended beyond the battlefield. In a stark warning to regional populations, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have specifically advised Emirati citizens to stay away from US military bases, highlighting the risks faced by host nations as they become entangled in the conflict .
The human cost of the conflict was acknowledged by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who told reporters, “War is hell, war is chaos,” when pressed on the details of American casualties .
Analysts suggest that the security situation in the Middle East is likely to become more complicated following these recent events. With US bases becoming primary targets for retaliatory strikes, the tensions are expected to persist, posing a continued risk to both military personnel and the stability of the region .
