A drone attack in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border, has led to the death of three US service members, with President Joe Biden and US officials confirming the incident on Sunday. The strike represents a significant escalation in regional tensions and marks the first deadly attack on US forces since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.
President Biden, in a statement, attributed the attack to Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. He vowed a strong response, stating, “We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing.” This stance was echoed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior officials.
The attack’s toll was severe, with at least 34 personnel evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries. The precise number of casualties may be higher, as some wounded US forces were medically evacuated for further treatment. The drone strike occurred early in the morning near barracks, which may explain the high number of casualties.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of hardline Iran-backed militant groups, claimed responsibility for attacks on three bases, including the one on the Jordan-Syria border. This incident is a major escalation in the already tense situation in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, US forces have faced over 150 attacks by Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria, resulting in numerous casualties.
Republican critics of President Biden have seized on the attack as evidence of his failure to effectively confront Iran and its proxies in the region. Senator Tom Cotton called for “devastating military retaliation against Iran’s terrorist forces,” while Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Biden’s inaction as emboldening US enemies in the Middle East.
A senior Hamas official linked the attack directly to the US-Israeli actions in Gaza, suggesting a broader regional response unless the violence in Gaza ceases. The US military confirmed the location of the attack, noting the sensitivity of US military activity in Jordan, especially given the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Jordanian government, while condemning the attack, clarified that it occurred outside its territory, across the border in Syria.
