In a tragic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, three US Army soldiers lost their lives, and over 30 service members were injured in a drone attack on a small US outpost in Jordan.
The incident, which occurred overnight, marks the first time since the beginning of the Gaza war that US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the region.
President Biden Vows Strong Response
President Joe Biden, speaking in South Carolina on Sunday, vowed a strong response, declaring, “We shall respond” to the attack. The outpost, known as Tower 22, located near the border with Syria, faced a one-way drone assault believed to be carried out by Iran-backed militants. The exact militia group responsible is still under investigation.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the tragic event, stating that the drone strike impacted the base in northeast Jordan, resulting in the death of three service members and at least 34 injuries. Medical evacuations have been carried out for eight of the injured, and the number of wounded is expected to rise.
Biden, emphasizing the commitment to accountability, stated, “We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.
” He paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, highlighting their bravery, duty, and commitment to the safety of fellow Americans and allies in the fight against terrorism.
As of Friday, the region had witnessed over 158 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. Despite these attacks, air defenses failed to intercept the drone in the recent assault on Tower 22.
The outpost, housing around 350 US Army and Air Force personnel, operates in support of the coalition for the lasting defeat of ISIS.
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Calls for Stronger Action
In response to the rising tensions, the US has taken several retaliatory actions against Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria, including recent strikes on facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah.
Criticism from Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, has centered on the perceived failure of the Biden administration’s policy of deterrence against Iran.
Calls for a more direct response against Iranian targets and leadership have emerged, emphasizing the need for stronger action. The incident comes amid ongoing conflicts in the region, including Israel’s campaign in Gaza against Hamas and targeting of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
As the US and Iraq prepare to discuss the future of the US military presence in the country, the drone attack underscores the complexity and volatility of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The Biden administration faces challenges in managing the aftermath of the attack and determining an appropriate response to prevent further escalation.
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