Iranian Missile Strike Claims Lives of US Service Members in Jordan
Overview of the Attack
A video that has surfaced on social media reportedly captures the moment when Iranian ballistic missiles hit the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. This incident, which occurred overnight, resulted in the deaths of two American service members and left several others injured. The footage, which has not been independently verified, depicts at least two missiles striking the base, followed by significant explosions and smoke clouds.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the missile and drone strikes on July 17 led to the fatalities of two American personnel while they were defending the base alongside partner forces. Additionally, one service member is currently unaccounted for. CENTCOM issued a statement on social media, confirming the casualties and noting that four other service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged. Others who sustained minor injuries have returned to their duties.
Footage of the Iranian ballistic missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan last night. At least two missiles hit the base, killing two American service members. pic.twitter.com/8tOm6yyXwe
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) July 18, 2026
This incident marks the first fatalities among US troops since hostilities between the United States and Iran reignited two weeks ago, raising the total number of American service members killed in the ongoing conflict to 16. The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which accommodates US troops and combat aircraft, has been a focal point for American operations related to the conflict with Iran. In recent months, Iran has consistently targeted this base with missile and drone strikes. Earlier this week, another attack resulted in injuries to several US personnel.
The base is equipped with the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, although a THAAD radar was damaged during a drone attack in March and has since been replaced, according to US officials. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the loss of the two service members would reinforce America's determination in the region. This attack coincides with the deployment of additional military resources by Washington, including F-16 fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, F-35 stealth fighters from RAF Lakenheath in England, and aerial refueling aircraft. The United States and Iran have been engaged in a series of retaliatory strikes over the past two weeks, amidst a broader conflict focused on the Strait of Hormuz, with both parties continuing military actions while avoiding a full-scale war.