Two Iowans among six US soldiers killed in Kuwait drone strike

Major Jeffrey O'Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady were among the casualties in the attack on a military facility.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Pentagon has announced that two Iowans, Major Jeffrey O'Brien of Indianola and Sergeant Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Drake University student, were among the six American soldiers killed in a drone strike on a military facility in Kuwait on Sunday. Nine other soldiers from the same unit were also injured in the attack.

Why it matters

The deaths of these Iowa soldiers in a foreign conflict highlight the ongoing sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military and their families. The attack also raises concerns about the security of American forces stationed abroad and the continued threat of drone warfare.

The details

Major Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, was a decorated Army Reserve officer who had been deployed to Kuwait since 2019. Sergeant Declan Coady was a 20-year-old Drake University student who was also serving in the military. The drone strike occurred at a military facility in Kuwait, injuring nine other soldiers from the same unit as O'Brien and Coady.

  • The drone strike occurred on Sunday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Major Jeffrey O'Brien

A 45-year-old Army Reserve officer from Indianola, Iowa who was killed in the drone strike. He had received the Army Achievement Medal and an Army Superior Unit Award for his service.

Sergeant Declan Coady

A 20-year-old Drake University student from Iowa who was also killed in the drone strike.

Congressman Zach Nunn

A U.S. Representative from Iowa who is asking Iowans to pray for the families of the fallen soldiers and thank the military medics providing care to the wounded.

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What they’re saying

“The leaders of O'Brien's unit have told me nine other soldiers from the unit were injured in the same attack and those soldiers have been taken to a U-S military base in Germany for medical evaluation.”

— Congressman Zach Nunn (Radio Iowa)

“Nunn says the soldiers' families are receiving updates as more information becomes available and Nunn is asking Iowans to join him in praying for these families and in thanking the military medics and doctors providing life-saving care to the wounded.”

— Congressman Zach Nunn (Radio Iowa)

What’s next

The Pentagon is expected to provide additional details about the drone strike and the status of the injured soldiers in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military, even in support roles abroad. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and protection of American forces stationed overseas.