109 US troops suffer brain injuries from Iran strike, says Pentagon.
The Department of Defense now says that more than 100 U.S. service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.
Pentagon said Monday that more troops suffer the aftereffects of the Iranian ballistic missile attack early last month in Iraq.
109 US troops suffer
The DoD had reported 64 TBI little over a week ago.
The number of injuries has been steadily increasing since the Pentagon began releasing data.
Iran conducted retaliatory missile attack at US military base at Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq on Januaru 08.
However, Pentagon officials have warned that the number would continue to change.
The department said 76 of the service members have returned to duty.
26 remain in Germany or the United States for treatment.
Another seven troops on their way from Iraq to Germany for evaluation and treatment.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper told Pentagon reporters more than a week ago that the department was studying ways to prevent brain injuries on the battlefield and to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it’s possible, in some cases, that symptoms of TBI from the Iranian missile attack won’t become apparent for a year or two. He said the Army is in the early stages of diagnosis and therapy for the troops.
In a statement Monday, Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah credited medical professionals with provide care “which has enabled nearly 70 percent of those diagnosed to return to duty. We must continue to address physical and mental health together.”