General rejected safer Saudi bases, leading to fatal Iranian drone strike on Kuwait unit

Before the launch of Operation Epic Fury, the 103rd Sustainment Command, which supports U.S. Central Command, considered moving its forces from a small Kuwaiti port to safer Saudi locations—Logistical Support Area Jenkins near Yanbu and Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh. Despite briefings from Army intelligence in January that identified Port of Shuaiba as a likely Iranian target, Brig. Gen. Clint Barnes opted to retain the unit at the Kuwaiti site, describing the move as "the easy button."

On March 1, Iranian drones struck the Shuaiba post, killing six soldiers, including Maj. Cody Khork, and wounding more than 20 others. Survivors reported insufficient medical staff and supplies, forcing them to improvise care and use civilian vehicles to transport the injured. The Pentagon has declined detailed comment, while an internal Army probe concluded in early July. Over 20 Democratic members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have urged the committees to hold public hearings on the alleged strategic failures and the treatment of survivors and families.