SerpApi.Org
The U.S. military on Tuesday identified the soldier who died in Iraq during a "controlled detonation" of an Iranian drone.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed on July 19 while serving at Erbil Air Base.
Swinton's mother said in a statement to Scripps News that her son leaves behind a wife and two children.
"To so many, Michael wasn’t just a hero because he wore the uniform—he was a hero because of the way he loved, protected, encouraged, and inspired everyone around him," said Christel Andujar. "His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family."
RELATED STORY | State Department issues warning for Americans traveling or living abroad as Iran conflict escalates
Swinton is one of at least three U.S. soldiers killed in the last week.
President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Iran in response to the U.S. casualties.
"Every time Iran kills an American Soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over!" Trump said. "This directive has been passed on to Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Daniel Caine, and every Leader in the Military."
RELATED STORY | Why has the US restarted strikes against Iran now?
Trump had been expected to attend a dignified transfer service Tuesday night at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. A White House official has since said that the event will be moved to Wednesday. It's unclear if all three soldiers will be included in the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is facing mounting questions over its transparency about the number of troops injured in the conflict. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Monday that nearly 100 U.S. service members have been injured since July 7. He said 96% have returned to duty, with the vast majority sustaining minor concussions.
