Fort Carson soldier identified as seventh U.S. service member killed during Operation Epic Fury

FORT CARSON, Colo. (KRDO) – The Department of War (DoW) has identified the seventh American servicemember killed during Operation Epic Fury as a soldier stationed at Fort Carson.

According to a release from the DoW, Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died on March 8 from injuries he sustained a week before, during an Iranian attack at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1.

Pennington, who was originally from Glendale, Kentucky, was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion within the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson.

Military officials say the attack remains under investigation.

Pennington is the seventh American servicemember to die in connection with "Operation Epic Fury," the U.S's code name for joint military operations with Israel against Iran, which began on Feb. 28. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and regional U.S. bases.

Statement from Rep. Jeff Crank:

"I join the nation in mourning the loss of Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, assigned to 1^st Space Battalion, 1^st Space Brigade, at Fort Carson, CO. Sergeant Pennington was deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury and succumbed to his injuries sustained during an enemy attack in Saudi Arabia,” said Rep. Crank. “Sergeant Pennington answered the call to serve and defend our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and I am praying for them during this difficult time. This is a grave and sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face in the Middle East and across the globe to defend our nation and freedom. Sergeant Pennington’s courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and may God bless our troops as they continue their mission."

This is a developing story and may be updated as we learn more.

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