Figures concerning U.S. military deaths in the Middle East, where clashes with Iran were continuing, showed a discrepancy between data from The Washington Post and the Pentagon.
The Washington Post reported, citing six U.S. officials, that at least 22 U.S. service members had died at various bases in the region. That figure is higher than the 18 military deaths publicly disclosed by the Pentagon.
The Pentagon’s military casualty database recorded that 18 U.S. service members had died since the clashes with Iran began, as of September 18.
Deaths not included in official statements
U.S. officials who spoke to The Washington Post said they were disappointed that some military deaths had not been reflected in official statements.
One official said that not all of the undisclosed deaths were directly connected to the conflict. The official assessed that the deaths may have involved contractors working for the U.S. military who were in the Middle East while the clashes were continuing.