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President Donald Trump plans to attend the dignified transfer of six American service members killed in an Iranian drone attack tied to Operation Epic Fury, the White House said Wednesday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump intends to travel for the ceremony once the military finalizes the timing and location.
Officials indicated the transfer could take place at either Joint Base Andrews or Dover Air Force Base, though final details had not yet been publicly confirmed.
“These heroes represent the very best among us. They laid down their lives in defense of our country, and we will never forget their legacy or their sacrifice,” Leavitt said during a White House briefing.
“As the president said, we grieve for these American patriots and their families as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” she added.
U.S. officials say the six troops were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, a U.S.-led military campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and deterring further attacks in the region. The deaths mark the first publicly confirmed U.S. fatalities since the conflict escalated.
Operation Epic Fury was announced on Feb. 28 amid rising tensions in the Middle East and has sparked debate in Congress over the president’s authority to conduct sustained military operations without additional authorization.
RSBN previously reported that the names of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed were released. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a logistics unit headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.
The four soldiers publicly identified were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been named.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of Army Reserve Command, said the loss is deeply felt throughout the force.
“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command.
