Screengrabs from a video showing the Iranian strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. (Photo: X/Enhanced via AI) US Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that two American service members were killed during Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on 17 July as US and partner forces defended the base. It also said one service member remains missing in action. "On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X. It added that four American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan before being discharged, while other personnel treated for minor injuries had returned to duty. The strike marks the first time US troops have been killed since fighting between the United States and Iran resumed two weeks ago. According to US officials, it brings the number of American service members killed during the conflict to 16. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base hosts US troops and combat aircraft and has been used by American forces during operations linked to the conflict with Iran. Iran has repeatedly targeted the base with ballistic missiles and drones in recent months. Earlier this week, another attack injured several US personnel, according to two US officials. The base is protected by the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system. A THAAD radar was damaged in an Iranian drone attack in March and was later replaced, US officials said. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deaths of the two service members would strengthen America's resolve. The attack comes as Washington deploys additional military assets to the region, including F-16 fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, F-35 stealth fighters from RAF Lakenheath in England and aerial refuelling aircraft. The United States and Iran have exchanged attacks over the past two weeks amid a wider conflict centred on the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides continuing military operations despite avoiding a return to full-scale war. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World. Rounak is a journalist with over 7 years of experience covering geopolitical and international affairs. He has a keen interest in research and explain... View More