Pentagon Identifies Final Two Soldiers Killed in Kuwait Drone Attack
The Pentagon has officially released the names of the last two U.S. soldiers who perished in a drone strike in Kuwait, bringing the total number of identified casualties from the attack to six. The announcement came on Wednesday, providing closure to families while highlighting the human cost of escalating military tensions in the Middle East.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
The soldiers identified in Wednesday's release were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, and Major Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa. According to Pentagon statements, Marzan was present at the command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, when the drone strike occurred on Sunday. The military believes he was the individual who died at the scene, though a medical examiner will confirm the identification.
This attack took place just one day after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces, creating a volatile situation that resulted in these tragic losses.
Previously Identified Soldiers
Four other soldiers had been identified by the Pentagon on Tuesday:
- Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
- Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
- Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
President Donald Trump addressed the deaths, stating, "Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That's the way it is." The White House confirmed that President Trump will attend the dignified transfers of the soldiers when they return to the United States, a ritual that honors service members killed in action.
Profiles of the Fallen Soldiers
Major Jeffrey O'Brien had served in the Army Reserve for nearly fifteen years and was promoted to major in August 2024. According to his LinkedIn profile, he worked as a manager of defensive cyber operations at an Iowa-based cybersecurity company, with a career spanning two decades in information and cybersecurity. A woman answering the door at his Waukee, Iowa, home declined to comment, indicating the family would release a statement later.
Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor was just days away from returning to her husband and two children when she was killed. Her husband, Joey Amor, shared that she was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from homegrown peppers and tomatoes with her high school senior son. She also loved rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter. Tragically, a week before the attack, she had been moved to a shipping container-style building with no defenses, as military officials feared the base might be targeted.
Sergeant Declan Coady had been in frequent contact with his family from Kuwait, checking in every hour or two after military operations began. When he stopped responding to messages on Sunday, his father, Andrew Coady, grew concerned. Coady had recently been recommended for promotion from specialist to sergeant, a rank he received posthumously. An Eagle Scout studying cybersecurity at Drake University, he was described by his father as "one of the kindest people you would ever meet" who "loved being a soldier."
Captain Cody Khork was remembered by his family as deeply patriotic, with a childhood dream of military service. He enlisted in the Army Reserve and participated in Florida Southern College's ROTC program. His family stated, "That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was." A friend of sixteen years, Abbas Jaffer, posted on Facebook, calling Khork "my best friend, best man, and brother" who "gave his life defending our country overseas."
Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens came from a military family and had previously served alongside his father in Kuwait. When he returned home in 2010, he was reunited with his wife in an emotional homecoming. His cousin Kaylyn Golike asked for prayers for Tietjens' twelve-year-old son, wife, and parents as they navigate "unimaginable loss." Tietjens held a black belt in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo and was described as a dedicated instructor and mentor by fellow soldiers.
Broader Context and Impact
The drone strike in Kuwait represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The attack on a command center in Port Shuaiba has resulted in the largest single loss of U.S. military life in the region in recent months, underscoring the dangerous realities faced by service members stationed in volatile areas.
As the families of these six soldiers mourn their loss, the Pentagon continues to investigate the circumstances of the attack. The dignified transfer ceremonies will provide a moment of national recognition for their sacrifice, while military analysts warn that further casualties may occur as tensions remain high in the Middle East.
