What we know about the U.S. service members killed in the Iran war

What we know about the U.S. service members killed in the Iran war

Following the initial strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iran, six American military personnel have been confirmed dead. According to the Army Reserve Command, four of these casualties occurred when a drone targeted Port Shuabia in Kuwait on Sunday. The remaining two service members’ identities and the specifics of their deaths remain undisclosed.

Based in Des Moines, the four deceased were members of the 103rd Sustainment Command. The U.S. government stated that the military operation began early Saturday with precision munitions launched from multiple platforms, including air, land, and sea. One-way drones were also deployed as part of the attack.

“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, head of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command.

Iran responded swiftly to the strikes, launching missiles and drones into surrounding nations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have deployed 230 attack drones against U.S. bases in Erbil, Iraq, and Kuwait. Reports indicate that nearly 800 individuals were killed in Israeli and American strikes, with casualties also reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

President Donald Trump asserted that the conflict could persist for several weeks, noting that the U.S. has the capacity to extend it further. He justified the attacks as a response to an imminent threat, citing the failure of nuclear negotiations as a catalyst. However, some lawmakers have raised concerns about the justification and the executive authority to initiate hostilities without congressional approval.

Democrat and Republican legislators plan to push for a war powers vote, aiming to limit Trump’s ability to conduct additional strikes. The military action has already resulted in 18 serious injuries to U.S. personnel, according to a U.S. official.

NBC News’ coverage of global defense matters is produced by Gordon Lubold, a national security reporter, and Courtney Kube, who focuses on military and national security issues for the NBC News Investigative Unit. Phil Helsel contributes as a reporter for NBC News.