The United States has identified the service member killed during a drone-related incident in Iraq as Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton. According to the announcement, Swinton died while disposing of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil Air Base.
The incident happened on July 19, and the military said he was killed in action. Swinton was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where his unit was based before his deployment.
Officials said Swinton will receive posthumous awards in recognition of his service. His death adds to concerns surrounding the risks faced by US personnel operating in Iraq, particularly during missions involving hostile or damaged aerial systems.
The identification of the soldier provides new details about the fatal event at Erbil Air Base, where the detonation occurred during the disposal process. The case underscores the danger involved even after a drone has been brought down.
