The Washington Post reported that at least 22 US troops serving at various bases in the Middle East had died as clashes with Iran continued.
The newspaper based the figure on assessments by six US officials. The Pentagon’s military casualty database, however, recorded 18 US troops killed since the clashes began as of September 18.
Assessment of unannounced deaths
US officials who spoke to The Washington Post said they were disappointed that some troop deaths had not been included in official statements.
One official said not all of the unannounced deaths may have been directly linked to the conflict. According to this assessment, the casualties may have involved contract personnel serving with the US military in the Middle East while the clashes continued.