US Launches "Operation Epic Fury" Against Iran, Casualties Reported in First 24 Hours

The United States initiated "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran on February 28 at 1:15 a.m. Eastern time, employing a wide array of advanced military assets to strike over 1,000 targets within the first 24 hours. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deployment of B-2 bombers, stealth fighter jets including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s, as well as reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. Initial targets focused on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's aerospace forces and joint headquarters, Iranian naval vessels and submarines, anti-ship and ballistic missile sites, and command and control centers. One Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was reportedly sunk in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM also confirmed three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded during the operation by Sunday morning, with several others sustaining shrapnel injuries and concussions. Iran launched counterattacks, which its ambassador to the UN Security Council claimed were solely against U.S. military assets. However, CENTCOM disputed this, stating that Iran attacked international airports in Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Iraq, as well as hotels in Dubai and Bahrain, and residential areas in Israel and Qatar. The operation also marked the combat debut of the Pentagon's new LUCAS one-way attack drones.

In a related development, the Space Force's 5th Missile Warning Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base issued an order for personnel to abstain from alcohol to "maintain operational readiness" in response to Operation Epic Fury. This squadron is crucial for tracking global missile threats using Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites and ground-based radars. The full extent of Space Force asset involvement remains undisclosed.