(NewsNation) — The Pentagon on Wednesday announced the identity of a fifth Army Reserve soldier who died supporting Operation Epic Fury.
The military member identified was Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien.
Officials say O’Brien died in Kuwait during an unmanned aircraft system attack by Iran. He was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command.Arming Kurdish forces could topple Iran’s regime but risks backfire: Ex-CIA officer
The announcement of O’Brien’s passing comes after four other soldiers who died during the operation were named: Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, Sgt. Declan J. Coady and Capt. Cody A. Khork.
“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”
The Pentagon acknowledged another soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Robert M. Marzan, is believed to be dead. Officials said Marzan, also assigned to the 103rd unit, is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene. They added identification of Marzan will be completed by the medical examiner.War powers resolution fails in Senate in 47-53 vote
Operation Epic Fury began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran over the weekend. Though war hasn’t officially been declared, the strikes — and subsequent retaliatory attacks — have seen Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed along with top officials and hundreds of civilians.
Trump has said the strikes were needed to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon that would be a threat to the American people.
The U.S. military currently has between 40,000 and 50,000 service members stationed across the Middle East.