US hiding soldier death figures, Pentagon displeased with new revelations

Pentagon refused to answer questions raised by the newspaper regarding the discrepancies in the data.

The American newspaper The Washington Post has reported, citing 6 U.S. officials from the Department of Defense, that the number of American soldiers who have died in the ongoing Iran War in the Middle East is higher than what the Pentagon has publicly disclosed.

The Washington Post reports that

5 out of the 6 officials told the newspaper that at least 22 American soldiers have died in the war with Iran, which is 4 more than the number recorded in the Pentagon's public database, known as the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS). The sixth official stated that the number of deceased soldiers is 23. These officials provided this information on the condition of anonymity.

According to the report, not all deaths that are not included in the public figures are directly related to combat. However, these cases include American military personnel who were deployed in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict. An official also noted that three American contractors deployed in the region have died since the fighting began. As of September 18, the Pentagon's DCAS database recorded the names of 18 American soldiers who were killed in enemy attacks and other incidents since the start of the Iran War.

Detailed information about the deaths not included in publicly available data—such as the identities of the soldiers, when, how, and where they died—is still unclear. The Pentagon has declined to answer questions posed by the newspaper regarding this discrepancy in the data.

As of September 18, the DCAS database recorded 14 deaths under Operation Epic Fury. The operation, initiated by the U.S. against Iran on February 28, was named by President Trump. Additionally, four other deaths are recorded in a separate category called Overseas Operations. These deaths occurred after the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran in July.

Pentagon stated in a separate statement that two American soldiers have died in the Middle East since February during missions unrelated to the Iran War. These deaths occurred at military bases that were attacked by Iran. However, the names of these two military personnel are also not recorded in the DCAS database.

According to the Army, Sgt. Devin A. Seibel died in a training accident in Erbil, Iraq, on May 31.

The press release from the Department of Defense stated that he was deployed in Operation Inherent Resolve, which is an ongoing campaign against ISIS fighters. However, Seibel's name is not included in the list of deaths recorded under Operation Inherent Resolve in the DCAS.

Maj. Sorffly Davius experienced a medical emergency in Kuwait, the details of which have not been made public. He died on March 6. It is unclear whether his death was related to an Iranian attack.

The announcement of his death stated that he was deployed under Operation Spartan Shield, which aims to partner with regional forces.

Pentagon's casualty database indicates that over 820 American soldiers have been injured in combat since the start of the Iran conflict.

The Washington Post has been completely dismissed by U.S. Secretary of Defense and Pentagon head Pete Hegseth, who wrote on X, quoting the Washington Post's report-

This is disgusting, fake, and outright false! The Washington Post should be ashamed—it is worse than Iranian state media.

Since the war with Iran began on February 28, there has been a tense atmosphere between the Trump administration and the U.S. media. Over the past 7 months, the media has made several major revelations that have been quite uncomfortable for the Trump administration. Trump has openly expressed his displeasure regarding several reports.

In this context, news emerged on Friday that the Trump administration has barred several media outlets from entering the White House. This includes media organizations like CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO. President Trump wrote on 'Truth Social'-

From now on, I am banning CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from entering the White House for spreading fake news, as they are continuously engaging in false reporting. He also mentioned that they would announce the names of other outlets.

CNN has responded to Trump's decision. CNN stated that this is an 'illegal attack' on press freedom.

It is rare for presidents to restrict media organizations from the White House. Reports indicate that Trump had also restricted the access of a CNN reporter during his first term.