Six soldiers died in Kuwait attack; army whistleblower alleges senior military officials ignored warnings ahead of deadly strike

Complaint raises planning concerns

The soldier, identified as Maj. Ramsbottom, says Army leaders dismissed concerns about weak fortifications at the command post in Kuwait. The strike killed six U.S. soldiers and was described as the deadliest attack on American troops in the war.

Ramsbottom told 60 Minutes that planning had failed at several levels, including his own. He said the incident should become a lesson for the Army.

Attack struck Port Shuaiba

The command post was part of a Kuwaiti port facility at Port Shuaiba. The attack came one day after the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury.

Eyewitness accounts, photographs and videos of the aftermath show the facility’s defenses were thin, according to the report. The drone attack occurred within the first day of the conflict.

Officials address drone defenses

Defense Secretary Hegseth said that a drone sometimes gets through defenses and can strike a tactical operations center, despite fortification. He also described such weapons as powerful. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on Ramsbottom’s allegations, including whether Port Shuaiba had adequate force protection.

Senator seeks classified briefing

In a letter dated Nov. 13, a senator asked Hegseth to attend a classified briefing and provide all force protection assessments for Port Shuaiba. Democrats have indicated they plan to investigate the administration’s handling of the war with Iran if they retake both houses of Congress next year.