By THE ALASKA STORY
March 1, 2026 – Three US service members have been killed in action and five others seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to a 9:30 am ET update from United States Central Command.
Several additional personnel sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty, the command said. Major combat operations remain ongoing.
“The situation is fluid,” CENTCOM stated, adding that out of respect for families, it will withhold additional information — including the identities of the fallen — until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28 at the direction of the President of the United States. U.S. and partner forces launched coordinated strikes targeting elements of Iran’s security and military infrastructure.
According to CENTCOM, the operation aimed to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, focusing on locations deemed to pose an imminent threat. Targets have included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian 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 a statement.
In the initial hours of the operation, US and Israeli forces employed precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea platforms. CENTCOM also confirmed that its Task Force Scorpion Strike used low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat.
Following the first wave of strikes, CENTCOM forces reported successfully defending against what it described as hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Officials described Operation Epic Fury as involving the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation.
