Exclusive: Soldiers and Gold Star families press Army leadership after deadly Iranian drone strike

Key Points:

• On March 1, a drone attack at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait killed six U.S. soldiers and injured dozens, marking the deadliest strike on U.S. troops since the start of the war against Iran in February 2025.
• Despite intelligence warnings about the vulnerability of Port Shuaiba to drone attacks, commanders Major Gen. John Hinson and Brig. Gen. Clint Barnes proceeded with relocating troops there, prioritizing logistics operations over safety concerns.
• The facility lacked adequate air defenses against drones, relying only on a Patriot missile system designed for ballistic threats, leaving soldiers exposed to the Iranian drone strike that caused significant casualties and damage.
• Post-attack medical response was criticized for delays and inadequate care, with some wounded soldiers experiencing slow evacuation and treatment, leading to frustration and questioning of military medical protocols.
• Families of the fallen soldiers received briefings on the investigation, but no admissions of error were made by Army leadership, and complaints against commanders were dismissed or withdrawn amid ongoing calls for accountability.