A United States service member was killed and another injured during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance in northern Iraq, the U.S. military has confirmed.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident occurred on Saturday while personnel were conducting a controlled disposal operation involving unexploded munitions from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone.
The explosion claimed the life of one service member and left another with injuries.
The identity of the fallen service member has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Military officials said an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The latest casualty comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where U.S. forces have been responding to a series of attacks linked to Iran and its allied groups.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by military personnel, even during post-strike explosive ordnance disposal operations.
CENTCOM expressed its condolences to the family, friends, and fellow service members of the deceased, reaffirming its commitment to supporting those affected and continuing operations in the region.
