A U.S. Marine Corps soldier has died from injuries sustained during the Israel–Iran conflict, becoming the eighth American service member killed since the war began.
Lance Corporal Kevin Melendez, from Grapevine, Texas, died in a hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, sometime between February 28 and March 3, according to local reports. His body was returned to the United States on March 4, while news of his death was publicly announced on March 6.
The U.S. Marine Corps has not released details regarding where or how Melendez was injured, leaving the circumstances of the incident unclear. Officials have not confirmed the specific operation or location related to his injuries during the ongoing regional conflict.
Melendez’s death adds to the growing number of U.S. military casualties linked to the expanding Israel–Iran war, which has involved operations and attacks across multiple countries in the Middle East.
