Survivors of the deadliest drone attack on U.S. troops in Iran are questioning the Pentagon’s assertion that their forces were adequately prepared, according to CBS News on Thursday.
The attack occurred on March 1, when an Iranian drone struck U.S. personnel in Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth referred to the drone as a “squirter,” implying that it had bypassed their defenses.
Conversely, unnamed military insiders indicated to CBS News that Hegseth’s account was misleading. One injured soldier claimed that, while his fellow troops acted with courage, they were “not prepared to defend themselves” as they were not in a fortified position.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, about 60 personnel were directed to seek refuge in a concrete bunker as a ballistic missile flew overhead. They have since received full clearance, allowing commanders to remove gear and manage logistics from makeshift desks.
One soldier described the aftermath, stating, “everything was shaking,” comparing it to a scene from a movie. He recounted feeling dizzy, with ringing ears and blurred vision amid dust and smoke.
He noted the chaos around him: “There are head wounds, lots of bleeding, and debris falling everywhere.” Another wounded soldier echoed the feeling of disorder in the situation.
Reports from witnesses indicated that troops were providing first aid to themselves using available supplies, even using civilian vehicles to transport the injured to medical facilities.
A survivor expressed deep regret over the soldiers they couldn’t save, noting that some remained unaccounted for. Hegseth characterized the occurrence as an attack on a fortified operation center, yet acknowledged the might of the weaponry involved.
Soldiers also informed CBS that Shuaiba port lies within reach of Iranian drones and missiles, with one soldier suggesting the base was identified as a potential target by Iran.
“We moved into a very dangerous area, close to Iran and a known target,” he stated, adding that the bunker’s protective barriers were inadequate against aerial threats.
One soldier reflected on the incident, emphasizing the importance of honesty for learning from mistakes. He conveyed pride in his fallen comrades, acknowledging their sacrifices, which he felt would remain with him forever.
The Pentagon has yet to comment on these claims. An agency representative declined to provide details to CBS, noting that an active investigation is underway regarding the incident.
In early March, Assistant Secretary of the Army Sean Parnell asserted that “every possible measure was taken to protect our nation’s armed forces at all levels” in response to CBS’s reporting.
