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US service member killed in Iraq during ‘controlled detonation’ of Iran drone: Centcom
By Filip Timotija and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a “controlled detonation” of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said on Sunday. Another service member was injured and continues to receive medical treatment for a...
Key takeaway Central Command (Centcom) said on Sunday.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The death of a US service member in northern Iraq has a direct impact on the El Paso community, where many residents have family members serving in the military. El Paso's strong military presence, with Fort Bliss being a major Army base, means that news of casualties abroad can hit close to home. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by service members deployed overseas, and the potential for El Paso families to be affected by conflicts in the Middle East. As the city continues to support its military personnel and their families, the community will likely be watching for further updates on this incident and its implications for local service members. The injury of another service member and their ongoing medical treatment also raises concerns about the long-term effects of such incidents on those serving abroad.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a “controlled detonation” of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said on Sunday. Another service member was injured and continues to receive medical treatment for a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Filip Timotija and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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