US Confirms Death of Soldiers in Kuwait

The US military has confirmed the first American troop deaths linked to the escalating conflict with Iran, after a drone attack hit a command facility in Kuwait over the weekend.

According to US officials, six soldiers were killed when an unmanned aircraft system penetrated air defenses and struck a command center in the Port Shuaiba area on Sunday.

Initial reports put the death toll at three, but officials said the number rose after one servicemember later died of injuries and two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble.

These are the only fatalities the US military has publicly confirmed since the latest phase of fighting began, with Washington entering the conflict alongside Israel.

On Tuesday, the US military identified four of the fallen soldiers, each serving in the US Army Reserve, as Capt. Cody Khork (35), Sgt. Noah Tietjens (42), Sgt. Nicole Amor (39), and Sgt. Declan Coady (20).

In remarks on Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a “powerful weapon” struck a “fortified” tactical operations site, underscoring the seriousness of the attack and the challenges posed by the evolving threat environment.

The incident comes as Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region in response to attacks against it, with multiple US-aligned countries reporting missile or drone incidents in recent days.

The US maintains a long-standing defense partnership with Kuwait, where more than 13,000 American troops are stationed.

Separately, US officials in Kuwait also confirmed that three fighter jets were brought down by Iranian forces on Monday, though all pilots involved reportedly ejected safely and survived.

Tensions have also spilled into neighboring states, including a reported drone incident near the US consulate in Dubai, as the regional confrontation intensifies and draws increasing political scrutiny back in Washington over the direction and costs of the conflict.