WASHINGTON: A drone attack on a remote frontier base in Jordan resulted in the death of three American troops, marking the first US military casualties in the region since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
President Joe Biden attributed the attack to militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. Despite Iran denying any involvement and rejecting US and British accusations, Biden pledged to hold those responsible accountable.
The strike raises concerns of broader conflict involving Tehran amid the already tense situation in the Middle East. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Biden, condemning the incident, held a moment of silence for the fallen troops and vowed a measured response.
The US Central Command reported that the attack targeted the Tower 22 logistics support base, leaving 34 personnel wounded. Jordan, Bahrain, and Egypt condemned the attack, while Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri characterized it as a message to the American administration, warning of a potential regional explosion.
The incident poses a challenge for Biden in an election year, with Republicans criticizing his administration’s response. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has seen numerous attacks on US and allied forces, primarily attributed to armed groups opposing US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
Anger over the Israel-Hamas conflict has escalated across the region, leading to violence involving militants groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Near-daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon have occurred, and the United States is directly involved in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The US and Britain have carried out strikes targeting Yemen’s Huthi, who support Palestinians in Gaza, resulting in increased tensions in the region.
