Three US service members, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, tragically lost their lives in a drone attack in Jordan near the Syrian border. The attack also left more than 40 other service members injured, some of whom suffered traumatic brain injuries. Eight were medically evacuated, with one in critical but stable condition.
This strike, which occurred at a logistics support base known as Tower 22, is attributed to radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed groups, has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting three bases, including one on the Jordan-Syria border.
FILE PHOTO: Satellite view of the U.S. military outpost known as Tower 22, in Rukban, Rwaished District, Jordan October 12, 2023 in this handout image. Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
The United States, under President Joe Biden, has vowed to hold those responsible accountable at a time and manner of its choosing. The Pentagon has suggested that the drone strike bore the “footprints” of Kata’ib Hezbollah, an elite Iraqi armed faction close to Iran. The incident has heightened tensions in a region already strained by the ongoing war in Gaza and the broader Middle East situation.
Iran, however, has denied involvement in the attack. The Iranian government maintains that it does not directly orchestrate the actions of its regional allies, who they claim act on their own accord.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed deep sadness and outrage over the loss and injuries of the US service members, emphasizing their role in the mission against ISIS. The US military is currently investigating how the attack transpired and who exactly is responsible.
