The US soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone has been identified as Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton, a 30-year-old noncommissioned officer from Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred on Saturday at Erbil airbase in northern Iraq, as part of ongoing overseas contingency operations.
Details of the Incident
According to the US defense department, Sgt Swinton was killed in action while performing a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way unmanned aerial system. Another service member suffered minor injuries. The operation was part of the broader US military response to Iranian aggression in the region.
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Background of the Conflict
The deaths bring to 17 the number of US service personnel killed since the war with Iran began in February. This conflict started with US military strikes on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure. Hundreds have been injured, including nearly 100 in the last two weeks during an escalation involving Iranian reprisal raids.
Identification of Fallen Soldiers
Sgt Swinton's death follows the identification of two other soldiers killed in Jordan: First Lt Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, and Pvt Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas. They died defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.
| Soldier | Age | Home | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton | 30 | Fayetteville, NC | Controlled detonation of Iranian drone (Iraq) |
| First Lt Tyler James Feehan | 25 | Ewa Beach, HI | Defending against Iranian attacks (Jordan) |
| Pvt Isabella Gonzales | 19 | Carrollton, TX | Defending against Iranian attacks (Jordan) |
Key Takeaways
- Sgt Swinton enlisted in 2017 as an air defense early warning system operator.
- He was assigned to the Army's Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bragg.
- The controlled detonation was of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone.
- US Central Command provided details of the incident.
- This conflict has now claimed 17 US lives, with many more injured.
Military Leadership Response
Brig Gen John L Dawber, commanding general of 32nd, praised Sgt Swinton, calling him an experienced noncommissioned officer who took great pride in his work and the people around him. The loss underscores the dangers faced by US forces in the region.
FAQ
What happened to Sgt Michael Swinton?
Sgt Swinton was killed during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase in Iraq on Saturday. He was supporting overseas contingency operations.
How many US soldiers have died in the Iran war?
As of this report, 17 US service personnel have been killed since the conflict began in February. Hundreds have been injured.
What is a one-way unmanned aerial system?
A one-way unmanned aerial system, or drone, is designed for a single mission—often a strike or surveillance—and is not intended to return. In this case, it was downed before completing its mission.
The US military continues to assess the situation in Iraq and the broader region. Further updates on service member casualties and operational details are expected from the Department of Defense.
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