Iranian Strike on US Base in Kuwait Reveals Alleged Failures by American Generals

Six American soldiers were killed and more than 30 others were injured after an Iranian drone struck a US logistics base at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on March 1, according to a report.

The Washington Post, quoting survivors and witnesses, said the Shahed drone hit the operations center of the Army’s 103rd Sustainment Command, causing heavy damage. The report said intelligence warnings had repeatedly identified the base as a vulnerable target.

According to the report, moments after the drone hit the building, Brig. Gen. Clint Barnes grabbed his protective gear and ran to a nearby bunker, telling one soldier to follow him. Survivors claimed many troops were left inside the damaged building as fire, smoke, and flying debris spread.

Soldiers described scenes of panic, with people thrown against walls as computers, lights, and glass shattered. One soldier said he wanted to return to help the injured but was told to stay where he was.

“We shouldn’t have run out of the f—ing building,” the soldier later said, according to the report.

The attack killed six soldiers: Chief Warrant Officer Robert M. Marzan, Maj. Cody A. Khork, Master Sgt. Noah L. Tietjens, Master Sgt. Nicole M. Amor, Sgt. Declan J. Coady, and Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien. More than 30 others were wounded, some seriously.

The report said US troops had earlier warned that Port Shuaiba did not have enough protection against Iranian Shahed drones. It said the base lacked proper shelters, anti-drone systems, and a fully working warning system. Reports had also advised against placing troops there.

Despite intelligence reports saying the base could be targeted, the deployment went ahead. Soldiers reportedly raised concerns, but the report said their warnings were ignored.

The report added that after the attack, troops had to wait in bunkers before being told it was safe to return. Around 30 minutes later, the Iranian drone struck the operations center.

Survivors said they did not see the generals helping with rescue efforts. The report claimed soldiers carried the dead and injured to safety while the generals were seen near a bunker. They were later evacuated for medical treatment.

The report also said some injured soldiers faced problems receiving medical care after being transferred to Germany, where some were reportedly not given full treatment immediately.

According to the report, a US military investigation is underway, but many soldiers believe senior commanders are unlikely to be held responsible.

The article said the strike happened during the conflict between the United States and Iran, following US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets. It added that Iran described the drone strike as a response in self-defense, while criticism has grown over the handling of the deployment and the safety of US troops.