Four senior Democratic senators have initiated an inquiry into the Pentagon’s handling of troop safety during Operation Epic Fury. They raised concerns over reports indicating that six US service members died in a drone strike in Kuwait without adequate warning or defenses. The senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Mark Kelly, criticized the Department of Defense for allegedly failing to take basic precautions to safeguard American troops following the conflict with Iran.
The incident occurred on March 1 when an Iranian drone attacked a US military post at Shuaiba port in Kuwait. According to the lawmakers, the strike happened without any prior warning or alerts for troops to seek shelter, leaving them vulnerable. As a result, six service members lost their lives, and around 20 others sustained injuries. Survivors had to improvise with makeshift medical supplies and civilian vehicles to transport the wounded to local hospitals.
The senators accused Secretary of War Pete Hegseth of providing a misleading account of the events. While Hegseth described the drone strike as forceful and breaching fortified US defenses, survivors contradicted this narrative. They claimed that the unit was ill-prepared to defend itself and lacked the necessary capabilities to counter incoming drones, despite requesting additional resources.
Lawmakers highlighted deficiencies at the base, noting the absence of crucial air defense systems. The base lacked an American counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar system capable of intercepting drones, leaving personnel vulnerable. Intelligence warnings about potential Iranian threats targeting the post were allegedly disregarded, with officials cautioning against concentrating too many US troops in a vulnerable location.
The senators’ concerns extended beyond the Kuwait incident, pointing out the Pentagon’s failure to alert US-flagged ships of potential Iranian attacks, leaving personnel stranded without evacuation options. They expressed worries about a broader pattern of inadequate protection for Americans in the region from Iranian retaliation. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safety of service members, the senators called for improved planning and precautions to mitigate foreseeable harm from drone strikes.
