Pentagon Raises US Troop Death Toll in Iran War to 21

The US Department of Defense now says 21 American troops have been killed in the war against Iran, revising upward its earlier count of 19. The Defense Casualty Analysis System previously listed 19 deaths before two more were added, according to CNN Indonesia. The Pentagon has not disclosed why the figures changed.

In a statement cited by Anadolu Agency, the department said it added a category of cases still under review. The Pentagon said it maintains a firm commitment to transparent and accurate recording of all fatalities among members of the armed forces, without elaborating further.

The Washington Post reported that the two additional deaths include Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius, who was killed in an attack in Kuwait on March 6. The second service member was not identified and died by suicide, according to the newspaper. The latest report also cites 865 troops in connection with the operation.

Separately, the military confirmed the death of another soldier in a training accident that was reported to be unrelated to the Iran conflict. He was identified as Devin A. Seibel, who died in May in Iraq.

The Pentagon's correction drew approval from Democratic Party members. There is no excuse for an error of this size, said Adam Smith, according to CNN Indonesia.

The United States and its close ally Israel began heavy strikes on Iran in late February, and fighting has continued since then.