Two US service members were killed in action and one remains missing after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on 17 July 2026, marking the first US combat fatalities from direct Iranian fire since March. The base hosts US F-35s and F-15s, with CENTCOM confirming at least two missiles impacted while Jordan claims eight were intercepted. Iran’s IRGC asserted destruction of fighter jets and tankers, though independent verification of aircraft damage remains absent. Four personnel were medically evacuated and discharged; others with minor injuries returned to duty. This fourth strike in five days elevates the US death toll to 16 in the nearly five-month conflict, exposing vulnerabilities in forward-deployed airpower and Patriot defense coverage at expeditionary hubs.