Six US service members have died in ongoing military operations against Iran, the US Central Command confirmed Monday afternoon. The announcement comes just a day after three troops were reported killed, marking the first known US fatalities since strikes began on Saturday. Hours earlier, Central Command had confirmed a fourth death. The military statement said that, as of 4 p.m. ET Monday, six US soldiers “have been killed in action.” It also noted that US forces had recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for service members from a facility targeted during Iran’s initial attacks in the region. “Major combat operations continue,” the statement added. The identities of the fallen remain private until 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications are completed. Earlier Monday, the fourth service member, who was seriously wounded in Iran’s initial attacks, succumbed to their injuries, according to Central Command. On Sunday, the military had reported that three service members were killed in action and five others were seriously wounded as part of “Operation Epic Fury,” the joint US-Israeli mission targeting Iranian military facilities. Two officials said the soldiers died at a base in Kuwait, speaking on condition of anonymity. Several additional personnel sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions. The military confirmed these individuals are being returned to duty. The State Department also expanded its travel advisory Monday, urging US citizens to leave multiple Middle Eastern countries immediately. Fourteen nations, including Qatar and the UAE, are now listed in the warning. When launching “Operation Epic Fury” on Saturday, former President Donald Trump said his administration was taking steps to reduce risks for US personnel in the region. However, he acknowledged casualties were possible. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost,” Trump said. “That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future.” In a video message Sunday, Trump called the fallen service members “true American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He prayed for the recovery of the wounded and expressed gratitude to the families of the deceased, warning that more casualties were likely. Trump also vowed that the US would respond strongly against those responsible. “America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization,” he said. US envoy to the United Nations Michael Waltz highlighted the sacrifices, posting, “Freedom is never free,” after the announcement of the three deaths Sunday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment Monday, emphasizing that war is inevitable in large-scale military operations. Hegseth outlined that “Operation Epic Fury” aims to destroy Iranian offensive missile systems, military production sites, naval infrastructure, and prevent nuclear weapons development. He said the US strikes are precise, overwhelming, and unapologetic. The military also confirmed a friendly fire incident Monday, where three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait. All six crew members ejected safely. Since Saturday, US and Israeli forces have carried out large-scale strikes across Iran, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli attack. Iran has responded with missile strikes targeting US and Israeli positions in the region, including Bahrain and the UAE. The Iranian Red Crescent reported over 500 fatalities in Iran since the strikes began. Israel reported 11 deaths, while Lebanon confirmed 31 killed in Israeli airstrikes. Trump told the New York Times that US and Israeli forces could continue operations in Iran for four to five weeks. Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated mixed public opinion: roughly one-third of Americans supported the strikes, 43% opposed, and about a third were undecided.