In the early morning of January 28, a UAV drone attack on a base in Jordan killed three US soldiers and injured dozens.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed to take “all necessary actions” to protect US troops after a drone strike on a base in Jordan killed three US soldiers.
President Biden announced he would respond to Iran after three US soldiers died in Jordan
In his latest statement, President Biden blamed the attack on “extremist militant groups backed by Iran operating in Syria and Iraq”, declaring that the US will hold all those responsible according to the law. the way they choose.
President Biden said the attack took place at a base in northeastern Jordan, a US ally that borders Syria. A US official revealed that the event occurred at an outpost called Tower 22, where about 350 US Army and Air Force personnel are deployed according to the US military.
Map of Tower 22 military outpost in northeastern Jordan, near the border with Syria.
Initially, US Central Command, which oversees forces in the Middle East, announced the number of wounded at 25, but US officials later announced the number had increased to more than 30. CENTCOM confirmed on Sunday night that at least 34 people were injured. A defense official providing information to CBS News said eight of the injured service members had to be evacuated, and a few were in critical condition.
The attack is believed to be the most threatening to US service members since the 2021 suicide bombing in Kabul. Tensions between US and Iranian proxies have escalated, increasing the risk of widespread regional conflict large, especially between Israel and Hamas, which is backed by Iran in Gaza.
Houthi rebels attack shipping ships in the Red Sea to protest the war in Gaza. Air strikes by the US and its allies against the Houthis in an effort to end the ship attacks have been carried out. The Houthis also carried out hostile actions, including launching missiles at the US warship USS Carney.
In addition, the US military announced the disappearance of two Navy SEALs in an effort to prevent the transfer of “advanced conventional weapons” to the Houthis on an Iranian ship.
Satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows Tower 22 in northeast Jordan on October 12, 2023. US officials say this is the site of a drone attack on January 28 2024, leaving 3 American soldiers and dozens of people injured
Republican lawmakers were angry at the attack and asked the Biden administration to respond to Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the administration needs to send a clear message about not tolerating attacks on US troops. Senator Lindsey Graham proposed that the US attack important targets inside Iran to prevent future attacks.
The attack has put new pressure on President Biden to strike a direct blow against Iran, a step he has hesitated to take because it would spark a broader war.
