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U.S., Israel Hit Iran in Operation Epic Fury; CENTCOM Unveils First Combat Use of One‑Way Attack Drones, Reports No U.S. Casualties

CENTCOM describes the largest U.S. regional force posture in a generation, with layered defenses intercepting Iranian retaliation.

Overview

  • U.S. and partner forces began strikes at 1:15 a.m. ET targeting IRGC command nodes, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields, using munitions from air, land, and sea.
  • CENTCOM confirmed the first combat employment of LUCAS one‑way attack drones by Task Force Scorpion Strike, low‑cost systems modeled on Iran’s Shahed series and estimated at about $35,000 each.
  • Following the initial wave, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, and elsewhere; CENTCOM reports successful interceptions, minimal base damage, and no U.S. combat casualties.
  • Iranian state media and the Iranian Red Crescent reported at least about 200 dead and more than 700 injured inside Iran, including heavy casualties at a girls’ school, figures not independently verified.
  • CENTCOM released strike footage and operational details as regional airspace saw closures and diversions, and the U.N. secretary‑general urged an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to talks.