Six U.S. troops killed in direct Iranian strike on Kuwait Shuaiba port facility operations center

2026-03-03 - 09:28

Six U.S. service members were killed (three of them reported injured earlier) in an Iranian strike that directly hit a makeshift operations center at Kuwait’s Shuaiba Port on Sunday morning, marking the first American fatalities in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the death toll rose to six after the remains of two previously unaccounted-for troops were recovered from the site. The strike targeted what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as a fortified tactical operations center, though one projectile managed to penetrate air defenses. Earlier reports suggested the attack may have involved a drone. A source familiar with the incident said the strike occurred shortly after 9 a.m. local time and hit the center of a triple-wide trailer used as office space. There were no warning sirens or prior alerts before impact. The explosion caused severe structural damage, blowing out walls and leaving the interior charred. Hours later, parts of the building were still smoldering. Satellite imagery taken Sunday showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the facility. Dozens of personnel were present at the location at the time of the strike. Recovery efforts were delayed due to ongoing fires within the damaged structure. CENTCOM confirmed the facility was struck during Iran’s initial wave of attacks. The names of the fallen service members have not yet been released pending family notification. The troops were assigned to the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, headquartered at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The six fatalities are the first U.S. combat deaths in the military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. Officials have warned that additional casualties remain possible. CENTCOM also reported that 18 troops have been seriously wounded since the operation began. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine honored the fallen troops, calling them “the best our nation has to offer” and extending condolences to their families and units.