Washington, March 1 (NationPress) - In a tragic turn of events, three US service members have lost their lives and five others have sustained critical injuries during what the Pentagon has labeled as significant "combat operations" under Operation 'Epic Fury', as confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday.

At 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, CENTCOM released an update stating, "Three US service members have been killed in action and five are in serious condition as a result of Operation Epic Fury."

Furthermore, the statement indicated that, "Several others incurred minor shrapnel wounds and concussions and are being prepared to return to duty. Major combat operations are ongoing, and our response is active."

CENTCOM emphasized that the situation remains dynamic.

"To honor the families, we will refrain from releasing additional information, including the identities of our fallen heroes, until 24 hours post notification of next of kin," they added.

This announcement signifies the first confirmed US casualties since the commencement of Operation Epic Fury, which US officials have characterized as a mission aimed at disrupting elements of Iran's military and security framework.

In a related matter, CENTCOM refuted allegations from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming they had attacked a US aircraft carrier in the area.

CENTCOM described the IRGC's assertion of hitting the USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles as a "FALSEHOOD."

They declared, "The Lincoln was not affected. The missiles launched failed to reach their target. The Lincoln continues to deploy aircraft supporting CENTCOM's unwavering mission to protect the American populace by neutralizing threats from the Iranian regime."

The USS Abraham Lincoln remains actively engaged in US operations, according to the report.

CENTCOM has withheld further operational specifics, citing the ongoing nature of the conflict.

The casualty count is expected to heighten scrutiny in Washington, where legislators are demanding clarity regarding the operation's extent, duration, and goals.

Defense officials have thus far presented the operation as essential for countering threats posed by Iran's military and its aligned forces.

Operation Epic Fury commenced earlier this week, with US and allied forces targeting various sites.

Officials have described this mission as a prolonged effort rather than merely a singular series of airstrikes.

Among the US airstrikes, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside several leading figures in the country, has reportedly been killed.