U.S. Officials: Death Toll of U.S. Military in Iran War Higher than Defense Department's Public Data
On September 18 local time, reporters from the Central Station learned from six U.S. officials familiar with the internal casualty statistics of the Department of Defense that the number of U.S. military deaths during the ongoing Iran war in the Middle East actually exceeds the figures publicly disclosed by the Department of Defense.
Five of the officials stated that at least 22 service members have died, which is 4 more than the data shown by the "Defense Casualty Analysis System" under the Department of Defense.
Another official indicated that since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, 23 U.S. service members have died. This official noted that not all of the undisclosed death cases are directly related to the conflict.
Later, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denied this claim, calling it a "complete lie." (Central Station CCTV reporters Zhu Lei and Zhang Yingzhe)
At least 22 U.S. military personnel have died during the ongoing Iran war, according to six officials familiar with the Department of Defense's casualty statistics. This figure exceeds the official numbers reported by the Defense Casualty Analysis System. Since February 28, when military strikes against Iran began, 23 U.S. military personnel have reportedly died. The U.S. Defense Secretary has denied these claims, labeling them as false.
- At least 22 U.S. military personnel have died during the Iran war, exceeding official Department of Defense figures.
- Five officials confirmed the death toll is four higher than the Defense Casualty Analysis System reports.
- One official stated that 23 U.S. military personnel have died since February 28 due to military strikes against Iran.
- Not all unreported deaths are directly related to the conflict.
- U.S. Defense Secretary denied the claims, calling them a 'complete lie'.