Commander Ignored Rebase Plans Closer to Iran Before Deadly Drone Strike, Sources Claim

Sources reveal commander rejected safer rebase options before deadly drone strike. U.S. troops killed in March 2026 attack.

Editorial Desk

September 25, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A senior military official reportedly dismissed plans to relocate a U.S. Army Reserve unit further from Iranian missile range just days before a deadly drone strike that killed six American service members and injured more than 20 others.

According to multiple sources, the 103rd Sustainment Command considered moving its personnel from Kuwait to either LSA Jenkins near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, or Prince Sultan Air Force Base near Riyadh. However, the unit’s commander, Brig. Gen. Clint Barnes, opted instead for Port of Shuaiba, a location previously used during a 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran.

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Despite intelligence warnings about potential Iranian retaliation, Barnes chose to deploy the unit to Shuaiba, which is only 65 miles from Iran’s border. A service member described the decision as the easy button. The incident has sparked outrage among families of the fallen, with one mother calling the loss of her son unnecessary and urging accountability for the tragedy.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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