Nigeria, March 1 -- The US military has confirmed that three American soldiers have been killed and five others seriously injured in Iranian missile strikes. Separately, Israeli authorities have confirmed nine deaths from a single missile attack on Sunday.

The US Central Command confirmed the American casualties in a statement.

"Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions - and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," the US Central Command said in the statement.

"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of k...