WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A deadly drone strike in Kuwait has killed six U.S. service members, most of them Army reservists, in a rapidly escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. U.S. officials say the attack followed a wave of American and Israeli strikes inside Iran, triggering retaliation across the region. The Pentagon identified five of the victims and said a sixth soldier likely died at the scene. Officials continue to investigate the attack, including reports that targeting data may have been gathered through digital tracking methods.
Military officials said a drone struck a port facility in Kuwait on Sunday, killing five Army reservists and injuring others. A sixth soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan, is believed to have died at the scene, though authorities are still confirming his identity.
The fallen soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa. Officials said 18 additional U.S. service members suffered serious injuries in the attack. The victims include Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, Spc. Declan J. Coady and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien. Each served in the Army Reserve and came from communities across the United States.
Khork, 35, grew up in Winter Haven, Florida. He joined the National Guard in 2009 and later became a military police officer in the Army Reserve. Friends described him as loyal and kind.
Tietjens, 42, from Bellevue, Nebraska, served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He also trained in martial arts and supported his family’s involvement in the discipline. Instructors described him as respectful and welcoming. Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, served in both the National Guard and the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar praised her service and sacrifice.
Coady, 20, from West Des Moines, Iowa, was one of the youngest victims. He studied cybersecurity and computer science at Drake University. His family described him as smart, kind, and deeply dedicated to both school and service. O’Brien, 45, from Indianola, Iowa, also died in the strike. Officials have released limited details about his background.
The drone attack came after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early Saturday. Officials said the operation targeted military and strategic sites using precision weapons and drones. The strikes marked a major escalation in tensions with Iran. Iranian authorities reported heavy casualties, including the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded quickly. Its forces launched missiles and drones at U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East. Attacks hit locations in Kuwait, Iraq, and other nearby countries. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched more than 200 drones at U.S. bases, including those in Kuwait and Erbil, Iraq.
U.S. intelligence officials are reviewing claims that attackers may have used digital advertising technology to track troop movements. The allegation raises concerns about how location data from mobile devices could expose military personnel. Officials have not confirmed the claims but said they are taking the threat seriously. Experts warn that commercial data tools can reveal patterns of movement if misused.
The conflict has sparked debate in Washington over the decision to strike Iran. President Donald Trump said the U.S. acted to stop an imminent threat after nuclear talks failed. Some lawmakers disagree. Members of both parties have called for a vote to limit the president’s war powers. They argue Congress should approve further military action. Trump said the operation could last several weeks but added that U.S. forces can continue longer if needed.
The broader conflict has already caused widespread casualties. Officials reported deaths in Israel and several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain,n and Iraq. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has also intensified. Military leaders say the situation remains fluid and dangerous. Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, head of the Army Reserve, honored the fallen troops and praised their service.
“We honor our fallen heroes,” he said. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
