Military officials confirm the names of the last two soldiers killed in recent strikes as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Department of Defense has released the final two names of American service members killed during recent attacks linked to Iran, completing the identification of six soldiers who died following strikes connected to the widening conflict in the Middle East.
Military officials confirmed that the last two victims identified were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, Pentagon officials said Marzan “was at the scene when a drone strike hit the command center in Kuwait and is ‘believed to be the individual who perished at the scene.’”
The announcement followed the earlier identification of four additional soldiers whose deaths were confirmed earlier in the week.
BREAKING: Four of the U.S. soldiers killed in Kuwait identified:
Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des… pic.twitter.com/DarKh5c9Uk
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 3, 2026
Those service members were:
Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa.
State leaders from the home states of the fallen soldiers issued statements offering condolences to the families and recognizing their service.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the loss of two soldiers from her state, Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, in a public statement.
“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,” Reynolds said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also issued a statement regarding the death of Capt. Cody Khork.
“First Lady Casey DeSantis and I are saddened to learn that Army Captain Cody Khork, from Polk County, has been killed in the line of duty as part of Operation Epic Fury. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and his fellow soldiers,” DeSantis said.
Video circulating online also highlighted the developing situation surrounding the attacks and their aftermath.
The deaths come amid an escalating military confrontation involving Iran and Western forces following a series of strikes across the region.
As previously reported, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Americans living or traveling in several Middle Eastern countries to depart immediately due to the deteriorating security environment. In guidance issued by the State Department, Rubio urged Americans to leave countries in the Middle East amid rising safety concerns tied to the expanding conflict.
The advisory followed a wave of missile strikes launched by Iran after the United States and Israel conducted an operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran subsequently launched attacks targeting multiple American military installations across the region.
According to analysis published by the New York Times, Iran struck at least six U.S. military facilities throughout the Middle East after hostilities intensified.
“Iran has struck at least six U.S. military facilities around the Middle East since the United States and Israel began attacking the country on Saturday, according to a New York Times analysis of satellite imagery, verified videos and statements by U.S. military officials,” the report stated.
“It’s unclear how many munitions Iran launched at the locations or how many attacks may have been thwarted, but the incidents raise questions about these sites’ abilities to defend against future strikes.”
Facilities reported to have been targeted include bases in Bahrain, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, along with three installations in Kuwait. Several structures at the sites were reportedly damaged or destroyed, including satellite communications equipment.
President Donald Trump said the number of casualties could increase as the conflict continues.
“Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said in a video statement shared on Truth Social. “[W]e’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case, but America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization.”
Military officials have not indicated when the next phase of operations may occur, but analysts expect continued volatility across the region as both sides remain engaged in active hostilities.
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