Conflicts · Amman, Erbil, and Fayetteville
US identifies third soldier killed in Jordan attack as Iran war death toll reaches 18
The Pentagon named Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad as the third fatality from Friday's Iranian missile and drone strike on a base in Jordan, pushing the US military death count to 18 since the conflict began in February.
In brief
Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, was identified as the third US soldier killed in Friday's Iranian missile and drone attack on a base in Jordan.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase in northern Iraq on July 18 or 19.
The US military death toll since the war began in February stands at 18, according to the AP, while earlier reports from The Guardian cited 17 before Rampersad's identification.
Iranian authorities claim that US strikes over the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500, including eight deaths from a bridge strike last Friday.
President Trump faces political pressure to end the conflict and avoid a prolonged Middle East engagement, which he campaigned against.
- 18 JulControlled detonation of downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase kills Sgt. Michael Swinton (some reports say July 19).
- 20 JulPentagon identifies 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales as Jordan fatalities.
- 21 JulPentagon identifies Sgt. Michael Swinton; later identifies Sgt. Angel Rampersad as third Jordan fatality, toll reaches 18.
Mounting US casualties
The US military has confirmed the death of a third service member in Friday's Iranian attack on a base in Jordan, identifying him as Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York. The announcement brings the total number of US troops killed since the war began in February to 18, according to the Associated Press. Earlier on Tuesday, the Pentagon had identified two other soldiers killed in the same Jordan strike: 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. The three were deployed to support the US mission against the Islamic State group, US Central Command said.
The fatalities mark the first US troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the conflict, which started with American strikes on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure. Hundreds of service members have been injured, including nearly 100 during an escalation over the past two weeks in which Tehran launched reprisal raids after consecutive nights of US bombing.
Controlled detonation in Erbil
Separately, the Army identified Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who died during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase in northern Iraq. The incident occurred on Saturday, according to the Department of Defense, though some reports placed it on Sunday. A second service member sustained a minor injury and is receiving treatment; the military is withholding further details until families are notified.
Swinton, an air defense early warning system operator who enlisted in 2017, was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, at Fort Bragg. He will posthumously receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge, and be promoted to staff sergeant.
“Sgt Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned officer who took great pride in his work and the people around him. He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication.”
Widow's tribute
Swinton's widow, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted a photograph on Facebook of her husband holding a young girl, writing that she did not think it would be the last time she saw him.
“I didn't think this would be the last time I ever saw you. I have no words.”
Political pressure and Iranian claims
The mounting US death toll has placed President Donald Trump under political pressure to bring the conflict to a close and avoid a prolonged Middle East engagement, something he campaigned against. Iranian authorities claim that US strikes over the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500, including eight fatalities from a strike on a bridge last Friday.
- US military deaths (since Feb 2026)
- 18 people
- Iranian claimed deaths from US strikes (past 3 weeks)
- 50 people
Data from the article text