Three U.S. service members were killed and several more were injured when a deadly drone strike, claimed to be executed by Iran-backed militias, hit a military outpost in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border. According to ABC15, President Joe Biden has vowed retaliation, stating, "and we shall respond," in the wake of the attack.
Reports have confirmed that among the wounded are members of the Arizona National Guard, as stated by both the National Guard and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck reportedly confirmed to KTAR the involvement of the troops, with Governor Hobbs echoing the sentiment on X, claiming that they are "ready to offer support for the Guardsmen and their families, and will be prepared to take action as to further develop the situation," per 12 News.
I am heartbroken to hear reports of the Arizona National Guardsmen wounded in action during the attack in Jordan. I’m actively monitoring the situation and my administration is in contact with AZ NG Adjutant General Muehlenbeck. We are ready to offer support for the Guardsmen and…
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) January 29, 2024
The strike occurred at a logistics support base called Tower 22, which serves as a pivotal staging ground for U.S. troops, especially those involved in training and advising Jordanian forces. Despite the increasing risk of military escalation, the offensive marks the first instance of U.S. casualties in Jordan attributed to Iranian-backed groups during the current Mid-East tensions.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has articulated outrage over the incident and assured accountability for those behind the attack. "These brave Americans and their families are in my prayers, and the entire Department of Defense mourns their loss," Austin told 12 News. Biden labeled the event as "despicable and wholly unjust," pledging that the sacrifice of the service members "will never be forgotten by our nation."
The identities of the injured servicemembers are currently withheld in accordance with Department of Defense policy. Updates on the extent of injuries and the response of the U.S. are anticipated as intelligence officials and military authorities continue to investigate the specifics of the attack which strategically targeted sleeping quarters, causing high casualties.
Jordan's stance against the aggression remains firm, condemning the strike and maintaining that its counter-terrorism efforts will proceed undeterred, as reported by the country's state-run Petra news agency. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in Jordan, a role that has grown in complexity amid heightened regional conflicts and their potential to alter the power dynamics within and beyond Jordan's borders.
