US identifies third soldier killed in Jordan attack as Iran war death 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.