North Carolina leaders continue reacting to strikes that killed 3 U.S. soldiers

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — On Sunday, March 1, the U.S. Military announced that ** three service members were killed** in action and five were seriously injured in the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, known as "Operation Epic Fury."

In response to the announcement, many North Carolina leaders have weighed in.

3 SOLDIERS KILLED, 5 SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN 'OPERATION EPIC FURY'

Governor Josh Stein shared his condolences, saying in part, "Anna and I are praying for their families. May the memories of these heroes be a blessing."

"I join all of North Carolina in mourning the three American service members who died in the Iran attacks. Anna and I are praying for their families. May the memories of these heroes be a blessing," Stein said via X.

Senator Ted Budd shared a statement saying he is praying for the families of the servicemembers killed.

"I am praying for the families of those servicemembers killed in action during Operation Epic Fury as they mourn their unimaginable losses. For those critically wounded, we pray for healing & strength. Please keep all our men & women in uniform in your prayers," Budd said via X.

U.S Senate candidates Michael Whatley and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper have also shared statements on the Iran attacks.

In a social media post, Cooper shared his condolences while calling for the government to let Americans know the long-term objectives of the war, saying in part, "But Americans fear another costly, drawn out war that puts our troops in harm’s way and removes focus and resources from needs here at home. Americans deserve to know all the long term objectives of this war, its risks and the exit strategy.""

"Devastating news that American service members were killed and wounded and I pray for them and their loved ones. I’m grateful for our troops who eliminated leaders and damaged weapons of this evil and oppressive regime. But Americans fear another costly, drawn out war that puts our troops in harm’s way and removes focus and resources from needs here at home. Americans deserve to know all the long term objectives of this war, its risks and the exit strategy," Cooper said via X.

NORTH CAROLINA LEADERS REACT TO US, ISRAEL ATTACK ON IRAN

Michael Whatley has issued a statement sharing his condolences, saying in part, "Suzanne and I are praying for the heroes we lost this weekend, as well as their families."

"Suzanne and I are praying for the heroes we lost this weekend, as well as their families. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and they have made the world a safer place," Whatley said via X.

As previously reported, Congressman Chuck Edwards and Senator Thom Tillis issued statements following the strikes.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, Edwards reposted a statement from the House Republicans with an American Flag emoji.

The House Republicans' post read:

"Please join House Republicans in praying for the American troops - the greatest history has ever known - who are fighting for freedom right now. May you be protected from harm and may your mission deliver true and lasting liberty. God bless our troops."

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Tillis shared a statement backing President Donald Trump's choice on the strikes, saying in part, "President Trump has rightfully determined that this theocratic dictatorship cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and continue to slaughter its own citizens who simply want freedom."

"The Iranian regime has spent decades as the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, systematically destabilizing the Middle East while calling for the death of America. President Trump has rightfully determined that this theocratic dictatorship cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and continue to slaughter its own citizens who simply want freedom. I expect all members of Congress will soon be briefed about Operation Epic Fury and determine whether a broader scope and further military action requires an authorization by Congress. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women of our Armed Forces and our coalition partners, " Senator Tillis said via X.

This story will be updated as statements continue to be made.

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