The strike occurred amid escalating conflict following the launch of Operation Epic Fury—a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian missile sites, naval bases, and other strategic locations.The deceased, all assigned to the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, were logistics personnel supporting sustainment operations. They are:

• Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida.
• Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.
• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
• Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa.

(Note: Some reports list Sgt. Coady as Spc. in earlier mentions, but official Pentagon identifications confirm Sgt.)The attack involved an unmanned aircraft system (drone) that struck a command center or operations area at the port, approximately 68 miles across the Persian Gulf from Iran. Initial U.S. reports indicated three deaths and five serious injuries, but the toll rose to six after additional remains were recovered from rubble and one wounded service member succumbed to injuries.