US identifies four soldiers killed in Iran conflict after drone strike in Kuwait

The United States on Wednesday identified the first American soldiers killed since the conflict between the US and Iran escalated. Among the six service members who lost their lives after an unmanned aircraft system managed to evade air defences and strike a command centre in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on Sunday, four have been identified.

On Tuesday, the US military identified the four deceased, all members of the US Army Reserve. They were named as Captain Cody Khork, 35, Sergeant Noah Tietjens, 42, Sergeant Nicole Amor, 39, and Sergeant Declan Coady, 20.

Drone Attack Claims Six Lives

US Central Command initially reported that three soldiers had died in the attack. However, officials confirmed on Monday that the death toll had risen to six after one soldier succumbed to injuries and two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble.

The six soldiers are the only confirmed US military fatalities since the United States launched a new phase of the conflict with Iran alongside Israel.

Identities of Four Soldiers Revealed

Khork, from Florida, had previously served in deployments to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland. Amor, a Minnesota resident, had been deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in the past, while Tietjens from Nebraska had completed two previous assignments in Kuwait. All three were recognised for their service.

Coady, from Iowa, was posthumously promoted from specialist. He had joined the Army Reserve just three years ago.

Questions Over Strike and Security

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a ‘powerful weapon’ struck a fortified tactical operations centre. However, officials familiar with the incident suggested the soldiers were working from a temporary office space protected by concrete barriers.

Rising Tensions in the Gulf

The attack comes amid escalating tensions, with Iran launching strikes on Gulf nations allied with Washington. Meanwhile, the US also confirmed that three fighter jets crashed in Kuwait following an incident of friendly fire, though all pilots managed to eject safely.

As the conflict continues to intensify, the deaths mark a grim milestone for US forces involved in the escalating confrontation.