The Pentagon has identified Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton as the service member who died during a drone disposal operation in northern Iraq. He is the 17th service member whose death has been publicly announced in connection with the ongoing conflict.

Sgt. Swinton's death occurred during what was described as the disposal of a drone. Further details regarding the specific circumstances of the incident have not yet been released by the Department of Defense.

His identification marks another somber milestone in the U.S. military's engagement in the region. The Pentagon continues to provide updates as information becomes available following such incidents.