DID Press: The death toll among US service members in the conflict with Iran has risen to 17, according to a report by the Associated Press, citing the latest official US military assessments.
The Associated Press reported that the updated figure is based on information released by US military officials and recent battlefield assessments.
According to the report, most of the fatalities occurred during direct engagements and retaliatory strikes in operational areas. US authorities have not released further details regarding the identities of those killed or the specific circumstances surrounding the casualties.
Media assessments suggest the number of US military casualties could rise if hostilities continue to escalate, although Washington has so far declined to provide an official projection on the future course of the conflict.
Some analysts argue that US authorities are disclosing only limited information about military casualties. They contend that public scrutiny intensified after the deaths of US personnel in Jordan and Iraq triggered domestic criticism of the Trump administration, potentially increasing political pressure on the White House as the conflict continues.