Ankara:: The Pentagon has identified a US soldier who was killed in action in Iraq.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed on July 19 during a 'controlled detonation' of a one-way drone system at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. Sgt. Swinton hailed from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was 30 years old at the time of his death.

The Defense Department released a statement detailing that Sgt. Swinton was part of D Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The incident remains under investigation as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the detonation.

Over the weekend, the Pentagon confirmed the deaths of three US soldiers, including two at a military base in Jordan and Sgt. Swinton in northern Iraq. These fatalities occur amidst escalating tensions between the US and Iran, marked by increased attacks by both nations.

The clashes between the US and Iran have intensified despite a framework agreement brokered by Pakistan in June aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a peace deal. The ongoing conflict continues to impact military personnel stationed in the region.