North Carolina Soldier Killed in Iraq While Disarming Drone Identified as Sgt. Michael Swinton

The U.S. military has identified Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, a 30-year-old soldier from Fayetteville, North Carolina, as the individual killed while disarming an Iranian drone in Iraq. The incident occurred during a controlled detonation at an air base in Irbil on Sunday. The military is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Sgt. Swinton, who enlisted in the Army in 2017, was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based at Fort Bragg. In recognition of his service, he will posthumously receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted to staff sergeant.

Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command, praised Swinton as an experienced noncommissioned officer who demonstrated courage and dedication in his duties. This incident follows the deaths of two other U.S. Army soldiers in Jordan due to Iranian attacks, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.