U.S. Troops Killed and Wounded in Drone Strike on Jordan Base

Three U.S. service members were killed and at least 34 others wounded in a drone strike on a base in Jordan, near the Syrian border. The attack took place at a support base known as Tower 22, which supports the Al-Tanf Garrison in southeastern Syria, where U.S. special operations are conducted against Islamic State militants. The injured service members have varying injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, shrapnel wounds, and spinal injuries.

This drone strike is the first deadly attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war broke out. The attack was claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of militias backed by Iran, who cited revenge for America’s military presence in the region and the Palestinian death toll in Gaza. The group claimed to have attacked a total of four military bases, including three U.S. bases in Syria and on the Syrian-Jordanian border, and one belonging to Israel. The U.S. has not confirmed any other attacks.

The White House, while still gathering information, stated its commitment to fighting terrorism and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. President Biden assured that there will be retaliation, saying, “Have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing.” Central Command is now in the process of notifying the families of the service members.

This incident adds to the increasing attacks carried out by Iranian-linked forces in the region since the Israel-Hamas war began. With around 900 U.S. troops stationed in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, primarily focused on combating ISIS, these forces have targeted them with over 140 attacks. Earlier this month, a U.S. airbase in western Iraq was attacked with ballistic missiles and rockets, leading to evaluations for traumatic brain injuries among the U.S. military personnel.

In response to previous attacks, the U.S. conducted multiple airstrikes against facilities used by militants. In December, three U.S. service members were injured, one critically, in a drone strike in northern Iraq. NPR‘s Tom Bowman and Jane Arraf in Jordan contributed to this report.