The United States military has identified the first American troops killed since the outbreak of the new conflict between the US and Iran.
Six soldiers died after what officials described as an “unmanned aircraft system” breached air defences and struck a command centre in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on Sunday. The attack marks the deadliest confirmed incident involving US forces since Washington launched military operations against Iran alongside Israel.
Initially, United States Central Command reported that three soldiers had died. However, officials confirmed on Monday that the death toll had risen to six after one injured service member succumbed to wounds and two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble.
Soldiers Identified
On Tuesday, the US military publicly identified four of the fallen troops — all members of the US Army Reserve:
- Capt Cody Khork, 35
- Sgt Noah Tietjens, 42
- Sgt Nicole Amor, 39
- Sgt Declan Coady, 20
Khork, a Florida resident, had previously deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland. Amor, from Minnesota, had served in Kuwait and Iraq, while Tietjens, a Nebraska resident, had twice deployed to Kuwait. All three were decorated service members.
Coady, from Iowa, was posthumously promoted from specialist. He had enlisted in the Army Reserve three years ago.
US officials said the six are the only confirmed American fatalities since the escalation of hostilities with Iran began.
Questions Over Fortifications
During a briefing on Monday, Pete Hegseth said a “powerful weapon” struck what he described as a fortified tactical operations centre.
However, three US military officials speaking to CBS News questioned whether the facility had been adequately protected. According to their account, the personnel were working inside a makeshift trailer office shielded by 12-foot steel-reinforced concrete barriers. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the strike are ongoing.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The US maintains a long-standing defence relationship with Kuwait, where more than 13,000 American troops are stationed. In response to US-led strikes, Iran has launched missile attacks across the Gulf region, with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar all reporting strikes in recent days.
Separately, the US confirmed that three fighter jets were downed in Kuwait following what it described as a “friendly fire” incident on Monday. All pilots successfully ejected and survived.
Iranian state media claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft, though no evidence was provided to support the assertion.
The developments signal a dangerous widening of the conflict, raising concerns about further instability across the Gulf region.
