Four American service members have been killed and at least five others wounded during the opening phase of combat operations against Iran, according to the Pentagon.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States military launched Operation Epic Fury in a video posted to Truth Social early Saturday morning. The casualty figures were released by United States Central Command as of 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday.

“As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury,” CENTCOM said. “Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”

CENTCOM added that it is withholding further details, including the identities of the fallen, out of respect for their families until next of kin have been notified. Apparently, even in war, the U.S. military still remembers what dignity looks like.

On Monday morning, CENTCOM updated its report, confirming that a fourth service member had died from wounds suffered in the initial Iranian attacks.

“As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action,” the command said. “The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”

Iran launched missiles and drones against American and Israeli targets in retaliation for the initial strikes, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 40 other senior leaders of the regime.

These losses are a painful reminder of the cost of defending freedom, but they also underscore the resolve of America’s armed forces under strong leadership. Our warriors are standing firm, our mission continues, and the United States is showing the world once again that it does not back down.