Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, a 30-year-old father from North Carolina, was killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone. The U.S. Army confirmed the death occurred on Sunday at an air base in Irbil. Swinton, who served for nearly a decade, will be promoted to staff sergeant and receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge. The conflict marks the 10th day of renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. During the escalation, two other soldiers, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, were killed in Jordan during Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. These were the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the war began. The administration announced that the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. President Trump faces pressure to conclude the conflict to avoid a prolonged Middle East war. Meanwhile, the State Department warned that Iran and its supporters may target U.S. interests globally.