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The Pentagon reclassified four service members killed in the Iran war as 'Overseas Operations' casualties

The Department of Defense added a new category called 'Overseas Operations' to its official casualty system to account for troops killed and wounded during the latest phase of the U.S.-Iran conflict. This move separates the casualties from the initial Iran war tally, which began in late February. The four soldiers killed in this new category include 1st Lt Tyler James Feehan, Pvt Isabella Gonzales, Sgt Angel S. Rampersad, and Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton. This reclassification follows the conclusion of 'Operation Epic Fury,' the military's name for the initial combat operations against Tehran. While the administration announced the new category to resolve data anomalies, some critics argue the move is a way to minimize the human cost of the conflict. Retired Rear Admiral Michael E Smith criticized the change as a sign of disrespect to the families of the fallen. Representative Thomas Massie called the addition of a new category an 'absurd ruse' because the military has operated without congressional authorization for more than 90 days. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated that the administration must provide transparency regarding the human cost of the Iran war.

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