New variables in the Middle East conflict.

In the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, the rate of female soldiers killed and wounded has increased significantly compared to previous wars.

President Donald Trump at a farewell ceremony for six American soldiers killed in Kuwait. Photo: Reuters.

In 2023, Greg Pruitt gave his wife, Ashley, a surprise gift before leaving Altus Air Force Base (Oklahoma) to transfer to a new unit.

For them, Altus was a place of significant milestones: where Ashley's military career progressed, and where their love blossomed after Greg mustered the courage to ask her out.

So, Greg arranged a family photoshoot with his children Emilia (3 years old) and Oliver (12 years old). In the photo, bathed in the warm golden light of that afternoon, Ashley beamed with a smile in her husband's arms.

But now, those photos have become precious memories of his late wife.

Last month, Greg quietly sorted through his photos in preparation for his wife's memorial service.

Ashley and Greg Pruitt during a photoshoot in 2023. Photo: Iyah Heninger.

Senior technician Ashley (34 years old) died in March following a mid-air collision between two US Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft over Iraq.

The accident occurred amid escalating military activity in the Middle Eastern skies during the early days of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.

“She loved being part of the crew,” Greg Pruitt said of his late wife. “Ashley was the kind of person who was always full of energy when there was a mission to be done, and she was always confident she could do a good job.”

Ashley Pruitt is one of 13 American soldiers killed since the conflict in Iran broke out in late February, according to the Washington Post.

The rate of female military casualties has increased sharply.

A distinguishing feature of this conflict is the significantly higher rate of female soldiers injured or killed.

In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, women accounted for only about 2% of total U.S. combat casualties.

However, according to Pentagon figures, they currently account for 12% of those injured, equivalent to 47 out of 405 cases.

More notably, women accounted for 23% of the soldiers killed, or 3 out of every 13 who died.

According to Elisa Cardnell, a former U.S. Navy service member and current president of the Women in Service Action Network, the increasing number of women being injured or killed in combat is not surprising.

The enemy's use of drones and long-range missiles has turned every base in the Middle East into a "front line." The concept of safe zones no longer exists.

Furthermore, it has been 10 years since the U.S. military "opened up" all combat positions to women. During that time, an increasing number of female service members have taken on more dangerous roles in infantry, armored units, and special forces.

"When they put on their uniforms, they all understand that they will face danger, especially those who are currently serving in the military," Cardnell said.

Memories of Mother

Sergeant Nicole Amor (39 years old) was also among the dead.

Like Ashley, she is also a mother of two children, Adeline (9 years old) and Owen (18 years old).

She is a logistics officer in the U.S. Army, responsible for transporting supplies and equipment to the unit.

But according to her husband, Joey Amor, "Nicole is more than that."

On school drives or to extracurricular activities, Nicole and her daughter Adeline have a secret game. They stare at traffic lights until they turn green. Nicole teaches her daughter that this is "feminine strength."

Last week, Adeline finally revealed the secret to her father. While they were in the car, the 9-year-old said she missed the time she experienced "feminine strength" with her mother.

"It's not just a superpower game," Joey Amor said. "It makes my daughter feel stronger."

Owen Amor, Nicole Amor, Joey Amor, and Adeline Amor in 2022. Photo: The Amor Family/Washington Post.

"My wife has a way of connecting with the children that makes them feel cared for, heard, and empowered," he added.

Nicole Amor was killed along with five other servicemen on March 1st, in the early hours of the war, when a drone attacked their base in Kuwait.

The incident raised many questions about whether the U.S. military's protection measures for its soldiers were adequately planned to cope with the new realities of the battlefield.

Mother's Day without a mother

Both men choked up as they spoke about helping their children get through Mother's Day without their mother, and now Memorial Day (the occasion when the US commemorates servicemen and women who have died while serving in the military).

Adeline's birthday is coming up, and Owen will be graduating from high school in just a few weeks.

"It really wasn't easy," Joey Amor shared.

The casualties in the Iran conflict come at a time when political leaders at the Pentagon are reconsidering whether all military positions should remain open to women.

But according to Greg Pruitt, Ashley was never bothered by those opposing viewpoints.

"She doesn't let the gossip bother her," he said. "Ashley just focuses on her task and does a much better job than many others. She proves her competence through her achievements and dedication."

Joey Amor said Nicole felt the same way.

"My wife has always felt a sense of responsibility and honor alongside her fellow soldiers," he said.

Source: https://znews.vn/bien-so-moi-trong-cuoc-chien-o-trung-dong-post1653873.html