Pentagon identifies first US troops killed in Iran war after Kuwait drone strike

The United States Department of Defense has released the names of four of the six American troops killed in an Iranian drone attack, marking the first U.S. fatalities in the ongoing conflict.

The fallen soldiers were Army Reserve members attached to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa.

Those identified are 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; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa.

According to the Pentagon, the troops died on Sunday in Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aerial system strike.

Two other service members killed in the conflict have not yet been publicly identified.

U.S. officials said three troops died at the scene, while five others sustained serious shrapnel injuries. A fourth service member later died from wounds suffered in the attack, United States Central Command confirmed. Authorities also recovered the remains of two additional personnel whose identities will be disclosed after their families are notified.

President Donald Trump, speaking in a video posted Sunday, warned that more casualties could occur.

“Sadly, there will likely be more,” he said. “That’s the way it is. Likely be more.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the base’s air defense systems intercepted several incoming threats, but one drone “happened to hit a tactical operations center that was fortified.”

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed claims that the strike hit a makeshift office, stating that “every possible measure has been taken to safeguard our troops  at every level.”

Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, extended condolences to the victims’ families.

“Our deepest heartfelt condolences are with their families,” Hegseth said. “We will never forget you.”

“They’re heroes and represent the best … our nation has to offer,” Caine added. “They’re true examples of what selfless service means. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with their families, their friends and their units. We grieve with you, and we will never forget you.”

The announcement came amid reports that an Iranian ballistic missile also struck a U.S. military base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.