WASHINGTON, March 1 (KUNA) -- The US military announced that three American service members were killed and five others seriously injured during "Operation Epic Fury", a joint US-Israeli occupation campaign against Iran launched Saturday morning.
In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that several other personnel sustained minor injuries from shrapnel and concussions and are currently being returned to duty. It added that major combat operations are ongoing and US response efforts continue.
CENTCOM noted that, due to respect for families, additional information, including the identities of the fallen service members, will be withheld for 24 hours following notification of next of kin.
The US military said an Iranian Jamaran-class frigate was struck by US forces at the start of Operation Epic Fury and is now sinking near the Chabahar pier in the Sea of Oman.
The statement also denied Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claims of hitting the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, affirming that the carrier was not damaged and that the missiles did not come close. CENTCOM confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln continues launching aircraft in support of the ongoing operation aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Iranian regime. (end) asj.aa