An Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six U.S. service members in the early days of the war with Iran caused far more damage than previously reported and left dozens injured with serious injuries including brain injuries, shrapnel and burns, according to a CBS News report.
The March 1 attack targeted a tactical operations center in Shuaiba port outside Kuwait City, leaving many soldiers seriously injured, the source said, citing sources.
According to news reports, the explosion quickly filled the building with smoke, making it difficult for rescuers to reach personnel trapped inside.
Dozens of soldiers injured
More than 30 members of the US military were still being treated in hospitals after the attack Tuesday night, the report said.
According to the report, the injured personnel were deployed to several military medical facilities:
-1 service member at Brooke Army Medical Center
-12 employees at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
-About 25 soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Many of the injured suffered traumatic brain injuries, memory loss, concussions, burns and shrapnel injuries, the source said, citing sources.
Urgent medical evacuation
About 20 injured service members were flown to Germany on a C-17 military transport plane with injuries classified as “urgent,” according to the report.
CBS News reported that more than 100 medics were deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to help with the influx of wounded soldiers.
At least one injured service member may require amputation of a limb, sources said.
Initial casualty figures underestimated
Defense Department officials initially provided limited details about the extent of the injuries.
On March 1, the Pentagon said five soldiers were seriously injured and several others suffered minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions.
However, sources said the actual number of injured soldiers was significantly higher.
According to the Pentagon, over 140 members of the US military have been injured so far
More than 140 US military personnel have been wounded since the war with Iran began, the Pentagon said, as officials provided new details about recent attacks on US forces in the region.
The injuries include injuries sustained in drone and missile strikes targeting US facilities in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, the 11th day of the conflict, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said approximately 140 US service members had been wounded since the war began.
However, he did not specify where and when the soldiers were injured.
“The vast majority of these injuries were minor and 108 service members have already returned to duty,” Parnell said in a statement.
“Eight service members remain listed as seriously injured and are receiving the highest level of medical care,” he added.
Pentagon officials said most of the injured personnel had already returned to their duties, indicating that many of the injuries were relatively minor.
However, several soldiers remain under intensive medical treatment as the conflict in the region continues to escalate.
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