Kuwait city: Survivors of the Iranian drone strike on a US military outpost in Kuwait have come forward to challenge the Pentagon’s account of the incident, asserting that their base was inadequately protected against aerial threats and that the attack could have been prevented.
According to Anadolu Agency, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously described the drone as a “squirter,” implying it bypassed the defenses of a supposedly fortified position. However, soldiers from the Army’s 103rd Sustainment Command have disputed this narrative, emphasizing that the base was far from fortified. An injured soldier reported, “Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood. The unit was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.”
The soldiers disclosed that while most US troops were instructed to relocate away from Iran prior to the offensive, the 103rd Sustainment Command was ordered to move to the Port of Shuaiba on Kuwait’s southern coast. This location, they stated, was well within the range of Iranian missiles and drones. One soldier noted intelligence reports indicating the post was on a list of potential Iranian targets, expressing confusion over the decision to place them in such a vulnerable position.
Reports from the soldiers described the base as lacking adequate protection, with defenses limited to T-walls meant for ground-level blasts and no overhead cover. The facilities consisted of “tin buildings” with “makeshift offices,” and there was no defense capability against drones.
Assistant Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell countered these claims, stating all possible measures had been employed to safeguard troops and mentioning that the facility had “6-foot walls.” However, CBS News reported that the Pentagon did not comment further, citing an active investigation.
When questioned about the preventability of the attack, a soldier confidently stated, “In my opinion, absolutely, yes.”
In a recent development, Iran and the US have announced a two-week truce, aiming to facilitate a final agreement to end the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties since February 28. US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins reported that approximately 373 US service members had been wounded since the conflict began, with most injuries being minor. Of these, 330 service members have returned to duty, while five remain seriously wounded. The war has also claimed the lives of about 13 US service members.