3 US troops dead in Jordan drone attack
Three American troops were killed at the Jordan-Syria border on January 28, BBC News reported.
Around 40 US military personnel were also injured as Iran-backed militias targeted a US base named Tower 22 by US officials. The US Central Command noted that those wounded were evacuated from the area for treatment. Prior to the recent drone attack, there had been no US fatalities despite dozens of attacks on bases in the region.
Those killed were named William Jerome Rivers, Kennedy Ladon Sanders and Breonna Alexsondria Moffett.
Although Iran denied any involvement in the strike, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq took some responsibility for it.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, also known as JAMI and/or Islamic Front for the Iraqi Resistance, are a nationalist group who’s number one focus is the targeting of American troops and they carry out operations all over the Middle Eastern country.
Formed in 2004, it is believed the establishment of the group was due to the deadly and illegal invasion of the country by the United States, strongly supported by the United Kingdom.
Currently there are around 15 US bases across Iraq, Jordan and Syria, aiding the fight against resilient jihadist groups.
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Following the strike, Joe Biden said on his Presidential X (formerly Twitter) account, “Last night (January 28) three U.S. service members were killed, and many wounded, during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border.
“Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack. Have no doubt: We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”
US troops based in the region and heavily armed groups trained by Iran have traded blows since Hamas’ assault on southern Israel and Biden promised to strongly retaliate against the militias following the January 28 drone strike. In December, Washington claimed that US bases in Iraq and Syria had been attacked on 97 separate occasions since mid-October.
The militias have been striking US forces due to the country’s strong support for Israel amidst their continuous pummeling of Gaza for nearly four months with death toll figures in the enclave being at 26,500. The attack on US bases as well as Yemeni rebels Houthis striking Israel and its Western backers’ ships in the Red Sea have stoked fear into many that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could broaden.
Jordan said that the attack took place in Syria and not in the former however President Biden claimed it took place in Jordan’s northeast.
BBC News/ CNN
