Full Breakdown
U.S. Reserve Unit’s Unmet Medical Requests Before Deadly Iranian Drone Strike
5/20/2026, 2:10:56 AM
The Deadliest Drone Strike on U.S. Troops in Kuwait
On March 1, 2026, an Iranian-launched drone struck the U.S. Army Reserve command post at Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, killing six service members and wounding 20. The blast shattered the tin-roofed workspace, sending shrapnel into the area where roughly 80-100 soldiers were stationed. Survivors described the impact as a “squirter” that penetrated the concrete T-wall defenses designed for mortar and rocket attacks but not aerial threats.
Lead-up to Operation Epic Fury
The strike followed the United States and Israel’s joint campaign against Iran, authorized by President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. U.S. intelligence warned in January that Port of Shuaiba was a likely target. Weeks before the attack, members of the 103rd Sustainment Command repeatedly asked for more medical staff, supplies and drone-defense measures, but their requests were ignored.
Key Participants
Key participants were Major Stephen Ramsbottom, who survived the blast; Master Sergeant Nicole Amor, a reservist from Minnesota who was killed; Master Sergeant Ann Marie Carrier, a medic who described the chaotic response; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who called the drone a “squirter”; and Capt. Tim Hawkins, Central Command spokesperson.
Casualties and Medical Response
The drone strike killed six service members, including Amor, and wounded 20. Soldiers used civilian vans to transport the injured to Adan Hospital, but a medic lacked supplies to secure Amor’s airway, and she died en route. No mass-casualty drills had been conducted.
Pentagon’s Official Response
A Pentagon spokesperson said the department took “extraordinary steps” to protect troops during Operation Epic Fury. Capt. Tim Hawkins noted that “no plan is ever perfect” and rejected claims of “blatant disregard” for service-member safety, framing the incident as an isolated failure.
Survivors’ Critique of Preparedness
Ramsbottom and Carrier said the unit lacked medical infrastructure, noting, “We were told: Don’t worry about protection,” and that the tin roof offered no overhead defense. Ramsbottom argued a doctor, aid station or ambulance could have saved Amor; Carrier said the Army had “no training” for a mass-casualty event.
Disputed Characterization of the Drone
Defense Secretary Hegseth called the weapon a “squirter” that “squirted through the defenses,” whereas survivors emphasized the lack of any aerial protection, noting the absence of overhead shielding. The precise nature of the drone’s penetration remains disputed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was a failure,” — Major Stephen Ramsbottom
- “She could have been saved. She fought the whole way and was trying to stay alive.” — Major Stephen Ramsbottom
- “We didn't have any training,” — Master Sergeant Ann Marie Carrier
- “No plan is ever perfect, but accusations suggesting blatant disregard for the safety of our forces are unfounded and inaccurate,” — Capt. Tim Hawkins, Central Command
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Reforms
Capt. Tim Hawkins said an investigation into the Kuwait attack is ongoing. Survivors hope the probe will prompt revised medical support protocols and stronger drone-defense measures for forward operating bases.
