As many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the 10-day-old war with Iran, Reuters reported on Tuesday (March 10th), citing two people familiar with the matter.
The death toll was not previously reported, according to Reuters. Prior to the report, the United States Department of Defense only announced that eight American personnel were seriously injured.
Following the Reuters report, the Pentagon issued a statement estimating the number of casualties at around 140, adding that the vast majority of those injured were minor.
“Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 US service members have been injured during 10 days of sustained attacks,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement on Tuesday.
Parnell added that 108 injured service members had already returned to duty, while eight seriously injured soldiers were receiving the highest level of medical care.
“The vast majority of these injuries were minor and 108 service members have already returned to duty. Eight service members remain listed as seriously injured and are receiving the highest level of medical care,” Parnell added.
According to the source, it was not immediately possible to determine the types of injuries the soldiers suffered.
Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against US military bases since the conflict began on February 28. The strikes also targeted diplomatic missions in the Arab Gulf states, hotels, airports and oil infrastructure, causing damage.
