Four Democratic senators are investigating whether the Pentagon adequately protected U.S. troops at a command post in Kuwait prior to an Iranian drone attack. The strike killed six American servicemembers and wounded over twenty. Survivors told CBS News they were left exposed at a location identified as a potential Iranian target.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, senators questioned the Pentagon's preparations and accused the administration of failing to protect personnel from Iranian retaliation. Hegseth described the drone as a powerful weapon that hit a fortified center. However, survivors disputed this, stating the unit was unprepared for defense and the position was not fortified, calling Hegseth's account a falsehood.
The senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Mark Kelly, are seeking details on risk assessments for the Kuwaiti post before the conflict began. Senator Warren stated Hegseth refused basic protection steps and attempted to cover up failures, demanding accountability. The Defense Department declined to comment, citing an active investigation. Assistant Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell previously stated that all possible measures were taken to safeguard troops.