Survivors Challenge Pentagon’s Account of Iranian Attack in Kuwait

Survivors Dispute Official Report

Survivors of the deadliest Iranian attack on U.S. forces since the war began have challenged the Pentagon’s description of events. According to these survivors, their unit in Kuwait was dangerously exposed when the attack killed six service members and injured over 20. Speaking publicly for the first time, members of the targeted unit shared details of the attack’s aftermath from the ground level.

Accounts Diverge from Pentagon’s Description

The survivors disputed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s characterization of the incident, who labeled the drone as a “squirter” that penetrated the defenses of a fortified position in Kuwait. One injured soldier stated, “Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood.” The survivor asserted that the unit was unprepared to defend itself.

Despite the chaos, members of the Army’s 103rd Sustainment Command acted swiftly and skillfully to save lives. “I don’t think that the security environment or any leadership decision diminishes in any way their sacrifice or their service,” one service member explained.

Eyewitness Accounts and Exclusive Media

These firsthand accounts, along with exclusive photos and videos obtained by CBS News, provide an initial depiction of the March 1 attack on the weakly fortified Kuwaiti port facility. The photos capture smoke rising from the attack site where six U.S. service members lost their lives.

Before the attack, incoming missile alarms had prompted about 60 troops to seek refuge in a cement bunker. However, an all-clear alert later prompted troops to return to their workspace, managing equipment, munitions, and personnel across the Middle East. About 30 minutes later, another soldier recounted a scene reminiscent of movies, characterized by ringing ears, blurry vision, and a smoky, dusty environment.

Questioning Safety Decisions

About a week prior to Operation Epic Fury, many American soldiers were moved to positions in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Yet, members of the Army’s 103rd Sustainment Command were given different instructions to relocate to Port of Shuaiba. Soldiers expressed concerns about the location’s vulnerability to Iranian missiles and drones.

“I don’t think there was a good reason ever articulated,” one soldier said, questioning why the post was listed as a potential Iranian target. They noted the ineffective protection offered by the military base’s barriers against aerial attacks.

Experience of the Attack

Iran’s reliance on drones has shifted battle strategies in various regions. It was an Iranian Shahed drone that detonated at the center of the U.S. soldiers’ worksite, resulting in chaos. An injured soldier described the triage efforts, “There was no single line of patients to triage.” The soldiers used improvised bandages and vehicles to transport the injured to hospitals.

One survivor highlighted the difficulty of knowing that some soldiers remained unaccounted for. “One of the hardest things for me is knowing we didn’t get everybody out,” they shared, reflecting on the tense moments en route to the hospital.

Survivors Seek Truth and Accountability

The survivors were troubled by Hegseth’s description of the incident. One soldier emphasized the importance of truth, stating, “We’re not going to learn from these mistakes if we pretend these mistakes didn’t happen.” They expressed sadness for the loss, coupled with immense pride in the courage and sacrifices made by the soldiers.

The Pentagon has yet to comment on the allegations made by the soldiers, citing an active investigation into the Port of Shuaiba attack.