The United States military is mourning the loss of six service members who died during a drone attack in Kuwait amid the escalating conflict linked to Operation Epic Fury, according to statements released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Officials reported that the attack occurred at a U.S. military command site located near Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during the early stages of the military confrontation in the region.
The facility was struck by an explosive drone while American personnel were working at the location, causing casualties among troops stationed there.
After notifying the families of the fallen soldiers, the U.S. Department of Defense released the identities of the six service members who lost their lives.
The victims were identified as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California.
Military officials confirmed that several additional personnel were injured during the attack and were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Emergency response teams at the base quickly secured the area following the explosion.
According to military sources, the strike was part of a wider wave of regional attacks that followed large-scale military operations conducted earlier against Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.
Tributes have poured in from across the United States as communities honor the lives of the six service members.
Family members and fellow soldiers described them as dedicated professionals who served their country with commitment and pride.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady, the youngest among those killed, had joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2023 and was studying while serving in a military information technology role.
The other service members also held significant leadership and technical positions within their respective units.
Defense officials emphasized that the sacrifice of Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, Sgt. Declan J. Coady, Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan will be remembered as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the drone attack in Kuwait.