Yesterday morning, a drone attack at a U.S. military base known as Tower 22 in Jordan resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and injuries to at least 34 others. The base, located near Jordan’s northeastern border, close to Syria and Iraq, is a strategically significant location for U.S. military operations.
The drone, believed to be operated by Iranian-backed militants, was reportedly confused with an American drone returning to the base, leading to the absence of any efforts to intercept it. This tragic incident signifies the first fatal attack on U.S. forces in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which began on October 7.
Despite over 150 attacks by Iran-backed military groups in Iraq and Syria since the conflict began, this was the first such attack in Jordan.
President Joe Biden has vowed to respond to the attack, asserting that the U.S. will not tolerate assaults on its forces and will take all necessary actions to defend U.S. troops and interests. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to protecting U.S. forces. Meanwhile, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the U.S. is not seeking a war with Iran but will respond to these provocations.
The attack has escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding complexity to the already tense situation in the region. The Biden administration is faced with the challenge of responding effectively to the attack without further inflaming the Gaza conflict. This incident also highlights the ongoing dangers faced by U.S. troops in the Middle East, particularly from Iran-backed militias.
The Pentagon has identified the soldiers killed in the attack and is investigating the incident further. The U.S. is also considering measures to better secure its forces in the region and prevent future attacks like this.
