The Kuwait drone attack soldiers killed in a deadly Iranian strike have now been formally identified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Late Wednesday, the Pentagon confirmed that Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, died after an Iranian drone struck a U.S. tactical operations center in Kuwait.
The attack occurred Sunday at Shuaiba Port, one day after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran.
Pentagon Confirms Fifth Fatality
Maj. O’Brien served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Officials said he died when an unmanned aircraft system struck the facility.
The Pentagon described the incident as a drone attack targeting a tactical operations center used by American forces in the region.
Information about U.S. military casualty reporting is available through the U.S. Department of Defense.
Other Soldiers Previously Identified
The Defense Department had already released the names of four other soldiers killed in the strike.
- Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
Officials also said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, is believed to be another victim of the attack.
The Pentagon stated that a medical examiner will complete final identification procedures.
Attack Struck Tactical Operations Center
According to defense officials, the drone struck a makeshift office building used by the unit.
Reports indicate the structure did not have heavy fortification or warning systems in place when the drone approached.
The Pentagon has launched an investigation into how the drone penetrated the facility’s defenses.
Operational updates about U.S. forces in the region are released through U.S. Central Command.
White House Responds
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the six service members will receive a dignified transfer ceremony.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers.
“President Trump intends to attend the dignified transfer of these American heroes to stand in grief alongside their families,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
Conflict With Iran Escalates
The Kuwait attack marked one of the first major casualties among U.S. troops since fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified.
Military officials warn that Iranian drone and missile attacks across the region could continue as the conflict expands.
For families and fellow service members, the names released this week represent the human cost of a rapidly escalating war.