At least 150 U.S. troops wounded in Iran war: Sources says
WASHINGTON: The U.S. military has reported that around 150 American troops have been wounded in the ongoing 10-day conflict with Iran, sources familiar with the situation told Reuters on Tuesday.
The Pentagon had previously disclosed only eight seriously injured personnel. Following the Reuters report, a Pentagon statement revised the number of wounded to approximately 140, noting that the majority of injuries were minor.
“Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 U.S. service members have been wounded over 10 days of sustained attacks,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said. He added that 108 of the wounded troops have already returned to duty, while the eight seriously injured service members are receiving the highest level of medical care.
Details on the types of injuries, including whether they involve traumatic brain injuries common after blast exposure, were not immediately available.
Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. military bases since the conflict began on February 28. Attacks have also targeted diplomatic missions in Arab Gulf states, hotels, airports, and oil infrastructure.
The Pentagon reported a sharp decline in Iranian strikes in recent days, citing U.S. attacks on Iran’s weapons stockpiles and missile launchers.
When asked whether Iran had proven a stronger adversary than expected, General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday that the conflict had unfolded as anticipated.
“I think they’re fighting, and I respect that, but I don’t think they are more formidable than what we thought,” Caine said during a Pentagon briefing.
Source: Reuters