The US military identified on Tuesday the American soldier killed while attempting to disarm an Iranian drone in Iraq. Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, aged 30 and from Fayetteville, North Carolina, died during a controlled detonation on Sunday at an air base in Irbil, northern Iraq. The incident is still under investigation.
In a statement, officials said Swinton will receive the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge posthumously. He will also be promoted to staff sergeant. Swinton joined the Army in 2017 and served with the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber noted that Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned officer who took pride in his duties and colleagues. He added that Swinton responded to his responsibilities with courage and dedication.
Swinton’s death occurred amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Two other US soldiers were killed earlier in Jordan during Iranian missile and drone attacks. These were the first American fatalities from direct Iranian fire since the conflict began. The total number of US service member deaths has reached 17.
US forces conducted additional strikes on Iranian command centers, missile sites and air defenses. Iran targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker was hit. Nearly 100 US personnel have been injured since strikes resumed on July 7, with most returning to duty.
The conflict has affected global shipping routes. Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced restrictions on vessels near Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about oil supplies.
