The first US soldiers killed Iran conflict have been identified after a drone attack struck an American military facility in Kuwait.
The Pentagon confirmed Tuesday that four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers died when a drone slammed into a base in Port Shuaiba on Sunday.
The strike marked the first confirmed American battlefield deaths since the United States launched military operations against Iran alongside Israel.
Victims From Iowa Army Reserve Unit
The four soldiers were members of the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa. The command supports the Army’s global logistics and supply operations.
The soldiers ranged in age from 20 to 42, according to the U.S. military.
Officials confirmed one of the victims as Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida. The Pentagon said the identities of the remaining soldiers would be released after their families are notified.
Information about U.S. military operations in the region is available through U.S. Central Command.
Drone Strike Hit Kuwait Facility
The deadly strike occurred at a military site in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, used to support American operations across the Middle East.
Officials said the facility was protected by concrete blast walls but did not have a reinforced roof. According to defense officials, the drone penetrated the site and caused fatal damage.
Two officials told Reuters that no alarm appeared to sound before the drone impact.
Iran Launches Massive Retaliation
The attack came as Iran launched a wide retaliatory campaign following U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran.
The U.S. military says Iran has fired more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones at targets across the Middle East since the conflict began.
Updates about the conflict and defense operations are provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Officials Warn More Casualties Likely
Senior officials warned lawmakers Tuesday that more American deaths could occur as the war continues.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed members of Congress behind closed doors.
Senator Chris Murphy later said officials told lawmakers the U.S. military may not be able to stop every incoming drone attack.
Tributes From Military Leaders
Major General Todd Erskine, commander of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, offered condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“My deepest sympathy and my respect go to their families and fellow service members,” he said in a statement.
The deaths underscore the growing risks facing American troops stationed across the Middle East as the conflict with Iran intensifies.