NBC News reports that eight Marines were injured two weeks ago when an Iranian anti-ship cruise missile attacked the vessel they were traveling on in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Three sources speaking with the outlet described the previously unreported attack that occurred on September 14. The injuries included sustained smoke inhalation and possibly traumatic brain injuries. None of the injuries were considered serious, and all eight Marines returned to duty.

The Marines were not aboard a US Navy ship when they came under attack from the Iranian missile. The sources refused to disclose what kind of vessel the troops were aboard. 

The US is currently attempting to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports while keeping the Strait of Hormuz open by escorting commercial vessels through the narrow waterway. 

The Pentagon did not publicly disclose the attack when it occurred. The eight Marines were added to the Pentagon’s casualty database 10 days later.

There are questions about the Pentagon’s transparency regarding US casualties during the war against Iran. The Pentagon has publicly acknowledged 19 service member deaths and more than 860 injuries.

Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported speaking with five sources who said at least 22 American servicemen have died during the conflict, while a sixth said the number was 23. Additionally, one of the officials said three American contractors in the region have been killed. 

The officials speaking with the Post did not provide details on the identities of the service members omitted from the public tally or how they died. The officials “expressed frustration” that the Pentagon is not giving the public accurate information. 

The discrepancy has raised questions about whether the administration is downplaying American casualties as the increasingly unpopular war becomes a political liability ahead of the midterm elections.