U.S. service member dies of wounds from Iranian attack in Saudi Arabia

A U.S. service member who was wounded during Iran’s initial attacks across the Middle East has died, becoming the seventh American service member killed in action during the military operation against Iran, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM said the service member died Saturday night from injuries received in an attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks on March 1. The identity of the fallen service member will be withheld until next of kin notification.

CENTCOM later said a U.S. National Guard soldier also died in Kuwait on March 6 during a medical emergency. The military said the death was linked to a health-related incident and that the exact cause remains under review.

The announcements bring the U.S. military death toll since the war began to eight, including seven service members killed in action.

The six previously confirmed combat deaths occurred when an Iranian unmanned aircraft system got past air defenses and struck a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

Those killed have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54; Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45; Capt. Cody Khork, 35; Sgt. Noah Tietjens, 42; Sgt. Nicole Amor, 39; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20.

The deaths come as Iran continues retaliatory missile and drone attacks across neighboring countries, which the regime says are targeting U.S. bases and interests in the region.