‘Highest respect to our great warriors’: US President Trump to attend dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Kuwait

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed his presence at the dignified transfer ceremony for six US soldiers who lost their lives in Kuwait. The service members were killed during retaliatory strikes by Iran across the Gulf, following recent joint US-Israeli military operations.

In a statement released late Friday on Truth Social, the US President expressed his commitment to honouring the fallen troops. “I will be going to Dover Air Force Base tomorrow, with the First Lady and Members of my Cabinet, to pay our Highest Respect to our Great Warriors, who are returning home for the last time,” Trump wrote. He concluded his tribute by stating, “GOD BLESS THEM ALL!”

The White House had previously outlined the arrangements for the solemn event, as press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the service members would receive a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, and that the president would attend. This ceremony serves as a poignant moment amidst the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, as the nation prepares to receive its fallen warriors.

In preparation for the transfer, the US Army has officially identified the six service members killed during the sudden strike on Shuaiba Port in Kuwait, according to a report by The Hill. The fallen soldiers include Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45; Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan, 54; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens; and Sgt. Declan Coady.

Multiple outlets reported that the personnel were positioned within a makeshift office space when the attack occurred. There was reportedly no apparent warning before Tehran attacked them, and the circumstances surrounding the strike are currently under investigation.

Providing further context on the environment of the strike, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell, described the site on the social platform X as a “secure facility fortified with 6-foot walls,” highlighting the defensive measures that were in place at the time of the incident.

Amidst the fallout of the tragedy, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday criticised the media’s portrayal of the deaths. He claimed that various organisations were attempting to make Trump “look bad” and suggested that the true extent of Iran’s weapons capabilities is “what the fake news misses.”

“We’ve taken control of Iran’s airspace and waterways without boots on the ground,” Hegseth asserted. “We control their fate. But when a few drones get through or tragic things happen it’s front page news. I get it, the press only wants to make the president look bad, but try for once to report the reality”. (ANI)