President Joe Biden declared on Sunday that the United States “shall respond” after three American troops lost their lives and dozens were injured in an overnight drone strike near the Syrian border in northeast Jordan. Blaming Iran-backed militias, Biden, who was in South Carolina, called for a moment of silence during a Baptist church’s banquet hall event.
Addressing the tragic incident, Biden stated, “We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases,” and emphasized, “and we shall respond.”
With the risk of military escalation rising, U.S. officials are actively working to identify the responsible group. Although one of several Iranian-backed groups is suspected, conclusive identification is pending. Biden affirmed in a written statement that the U.S. would hold those responsible accountable at a time and in a manner of its choosing.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that necessary actions would be taken to defend the United States, its troops, and its interests. In response to the heightened threat, Iran-backed fighters in east Syria began evacuating their posts.
The drone strike targeted a logistics support base known as Tower 22, utilized by U.S. troops involved in advising and assisting Jordanian forces. The attack resulted in 34 troops being injured, with eight flown out for follow-up care. The U.S. Central Command described the troops in stable condition.
The incident marks the first targeting of American troops in Jordan during the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in the first U.S. fatalities. The base at al-Tanf in Syria, critical for U.S. forces in the region, is in close proximity to Tower 22.
Jordan condemned the terrorist attack in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to countering terrorism and securing its borders. The U.S. has historically used Jordan as a strategic basing point, with around 3,000 American troops stationed across the country.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Iranian-backed militias have frequently targeted American military installations in Iraq and Syria. The militias claim these strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support for Israel. The recent attack in Jordan underscores the escalating tensions in the region.
President Biden, briefed by top officials, called the attack a “despicable and wholly unjust” act. He reiterated the dedication of U.S. service members in the fight against terrorism and affirmed that the nation would not cease its efforts.
As calls for a response intensified, Senator Jack Reed expressed confidence in the Biden Administration’s ability to respond deliberately and proportionally. However, Republicans criticized the administration, urging a major reset of Middle East policy to safeguard national security interests. Republican Rep. Michael McCaul advocated for a stronger stance, while Senator Lindsay Graham called for strikes inside Iran as deterrence against future aggression.
President Biden, in his written statement, condemned the attack and praised the service members risking their safety for the sake of Americans, allies, and partners in the fight against terrorism. As the situation unfolds, the region remains on high alert, and the global community watches closely for the U.S. response.
