- President Biden vows to respond after three American troops are killed in a drone strike near the Syrian border attributed to Iran-backed militias.
- The United States will hold those responsible accountable in their own time and manner, says President Biden, as Iran-backed fighters reportedly evacuate their positions in eastern Syria.
- The number of injured troops rises to at least 34, with the strike targeting a critical logistical hub for U.S. forces in Syria. The U.S. has responded with strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to deter further aggression.
Additional Coverage:
- Three US troops are killed and dozens are injured in a drone strike by Iran-backed militia in Jordan (newsbreak.com)
President Joe Biden has promised that the U.S. will respond after three American troops were killed and many more injured in a drone strike in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border. Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed militias, marking the first U.S. fatalities at the hands of such groups during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The President requested a moment of silence during an appearance at a church banquet hall in South Carolina, expressing his condolences before vowing to take action. U.S. officials are working to identify the precise group responsible for the attack.
In response to the attack, President Biden stated that the United States will hold those responsible accountable in their own time and manner. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the commitment to defending U.S. interests and troops. Meanwhile, fighters backed by Iran in eastern Syria have reportedly evacuated their posts, fearing U.S. airstrikes.
The number of injured troops from the drone strike has risen to at least 34, according to a U.S. official. The strike targeted an American military installation known as Tower 22, located along the Syrian border in Jordan. The installation includes various U.S. military personnel and serves as a critical logistical hub for U.S. forces in Syria. The drone struck near the troops’ sleeping quarters, leading to the high casualty count.
Jordan, a close ally of the U.S. in the region, has often hosted American troops. Although the exact number of troops stationed at Tower 22 is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that around 3,000 American troops are typically stationed across Jordan.
Iran-backed militias have launched numerous attacks on American military installations in Iraq and Syria during the Israel-Hamas war, with a mix of drones, rockets, mortars, and ballistic missiles. These militias are retaliating against U.S. support for Israel and seeking to remove U.S. forces from the region. The U.S. has responded with strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to deter further aggression.
President Biden, who was briefed on the attack, called it a “despicable and wholly unjust” act. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to fighting terrorism alongside their allies and partners. Syria and Iraq have long been platforms for Iranian-backed forces, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Jordan, a crucial power in the region due to its oversight of holy sites in Jerusalem, has also been suspected of launching airstrikes in Syria.
The identity of the group responsible for the drone attack in Jordan has yet to be officially claimed. Iran-backed factions in Iraq have claimed responsibility for similar attacks against U.S. troops in the region. As of now, there have been no further reports of attacks against U.S. forces on Sunday.