Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed in action during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian attack drone at Erbil Air Base in Iraq, the Department of War announced Tuesday. Swinton, assigned to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, was part of an operation to destroy the one-way unmanned aerial system.
His death brings the total number of U.S. service members killed since the conflict with Iran began to 17. This toll includes casualties from direct Iranian attacks as well as incidents related to American military operations in the region. Another service member sustained injuries during the detonation and received medical treatment.
President Donald Trump stated on social media that Iran would pay for the killing of American soldiers multiple times over. He confirmed that this directive had been communicated to the Secretary of War, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military leadership.
Swinton's death followed the recent killing of two other U.S. soldiers in Jordan: 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. These soldiers were killed as American and allied forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Central Command reported that another service member remained missing following those attacks, with President Trump suggesting that individual may also have died.
Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command commanding general, expressed sorrow over Swinton's loss, stating his service and sacrifice would not be forgotten. Swinton will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge, in addition to previous accolades.
The United States initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28. U.S. and partner forces have since targeted Iranian air defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities in response to alleged Iranian violations of a memorandum of understanding concerning the Strait of Hormuz.