Washington. Three American soldiers were killed in the ongoing ‘major combat operation’ under Operation ‘Epic Fury’. Besides, five others are said to be seriously injured. This information was given by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday. At 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, United States Central Command issued an update stating that “three US soldiers have been killed in action and five are seriously injured as part of Operation Epic Fury.”

The statement further said, “Several others have sustained minor shrapnel and head injuries. They are being brought back to duty. Major combat operations and our response are ongoing.” United States Central Command said that the situation is still unstable. The command said that we will not give any further information including the identity of our martyred soldiers until their families are informed.

The announcement is the first confirmed US casualties since the start of Operation Epic Fury. US officials have described it as a campaign targeting elements of Iran’s security and military infrastructure. CENTCOM rejected Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ claim that it had targeted a US aircraft carrier in the area.

CENTCOM said Iran’s IRGC’s claim that it attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles is a lie. Lincoln was not harmed. The missiles fired did not even reach him. Lincoln continues to fly aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s continuing mission to eliminate the threats posed by the Iranian regime to the defense of the American people.

According to the statement, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is deployed in support of the American operation. CENTCOM declined to provide further operational details, citing the changing nature of the conflict. The number of casualties is likely to intensify scrutiny and questions in Washington, where lawmakers are seeking clarity over the scope, duration and objectives of the operation.

Defense officials have so far described the operation as necessary to counter the threats posed by Iran’s military and its affiliated forces. ‘Operation Epic Fury’ began earlier this week, in which the US and its allied forces attacked several targets. Officials have described it as a sustained effort rather than just a one-time air strike. There is also news of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many top leaders of the country in American air strikes.