US Soldiers Killed in Iranian Drone Strike in Kuwait: Full Details
US-Iran Conflict Escalates with Fatal Drone Attack
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, the US military has suffered its first major casualties. An Iranian drone strike targeted a temporary US Tactical Operations Center located at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of six American soldiers and leaving over 18 others seriously injured.
This attack marks Iran's first substantial retaliation against the US-Israel joint military operation known as Operation Epic Fury, which commenced on February 28, 2026.
Details of the Attack
- Location: Port Shuaiba, a civilian port where the US military had established a makeshift command center, distinct from main bases like Camp Arifjan or Camp Buehring, and lacking robust air defense.
- Method of Attack: An Iranian suicide drone bypassed the US air defense systems and struck directly without any prior warning or sirens.
- Casualties: Initially, CENTCOM confirmed three fatalities, but the total rose to six after two additional bodies were recovered from the wreckage and one injured soldier succumbed to their injuries.
- Injuries: More than 18 soldiers sustained severe injuries, with some suffering from shrapnel wounds and concussions.
Identities of the Fallen Soldiers (All US Army Reserve Members)
The Pentagon has released the names of the deceased:
- Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, Florida (Winter Haven)
- Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Nebraska (Bellevue)
- Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, Minnesota (White Bear Lake)
- Sergeant Declan J. Coady, 20, Iowa (West Des Moines) – posthumously promoted from Specialist to Sergeant
- Major Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, Iowa (Indianola)
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54
These soldiers were primarily from the logistics and support unit (103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa), responsible for supplying food and equipment to troops.
Reactions
- President Donald Trump: Described the fallen as 'true American patriots' and acknowledged that 'more deaths may occur in war.'
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Noted that the drone evaded air defenses and stated that an investigation is underway.
- Kuwait Government: Condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of international laws.
- US Embassy: Closed or on high alert in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and other locations, advising American citizens to evacuate immediately.
This incident represents a significant blow to the US military in the early days of the conflict. Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes on US positions in several Gulf nations, but this is the first attack resulting in American fatalities. Experts warn that the conflict may prolong, leading to further casualties as the situation evolves rapidly.