Kentucky soldier dies from injuries in Iran conflict, bringing U.S. death toll to seven

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

GLENDALE, Ky. (KBSI) — A U.S. soldier from Kentucky has died after being injured during an attack last week in Saudi Arabia, bringing the number of American troops killed in the escalating conflict with Iran to seven.

The military identified the service member Monday as Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. Officials said he was seriously wounded during an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1.

Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, a unit within the Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

U.S. Central Command said the soldier died from injuries sustained during what it described as the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared condolences Monday following the news.

“Sgt. Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country,” Beshear said in a statement. “Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time.”

Pennington’s death comes after six other U.S. soldiers were killed last week in Kuwait during a strike on a makeshift operations center at the civilian port of Shuaiba.

Information from CNN contributed to this report.