Iran War & Ceasefire — 2026-04-10

Survivors of Kuwait Base Attack Dispute Pentagon Account, Say Unit Was Left Exposed

Soldiers who survived the deadliest Iranian attack on US forces, a March 1 drone strike at Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, that killed six and wounded 20+, told CBS News their unit was relocated to an unfortified position and left without air defenses. They disputed Defense Secretary Hegseth's description of the strike as a drone that "squirted through" defenses, calling it a "falsehood." One soldier said the attack was "preventable" and that their position lacked even basic force protection.

Analysis
The survivor accounts directly challenge Hegseth's "squirter" narrative and suggest systemic force protection failures at Port of Shuaiba. If verified, the relocation of the 103rd Sustainment Command to an unfortified position while other units moved to safer locations suggests logistical units were deprioritized in defensive planning, a pattern seen in prior conflicts.

2 sources

Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account, say unit was unprepared to defend itself - CBS News
U.S. Soldiers Call BS on Pentagon Pete's Version of Deadly Strike - The Daily Beast