A deadly drone attack on an American outpost in Jordan failed to stop due to confusion about whether the drone was from a friend or foe. The attack killed three troops and wounded another 34. The drone was one of four launched simultaneously by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, the umbrella group for Iranian-backed militias. The Islamic group claimed responsibility for the drone attack, while other attacks failed to hit US targets or were shot down.
The US has yet to find evidence that Iran directed the attack. The attack came as US President Joe Biden met with top national security officials to discuss how to respond. The National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US is planning a “very consequential” response to the attack, but there was no immediate indication of the scope or timing of an American assault. The deaths in the attack were believed to be the first from hostile fire during the nearly four-month-long war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.
Critics of President Biden have called for a direct attack on Iran, but this could potentially lead to a spread of warfare in the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has denied responsibility for the attack in Jordan, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no role in decisions by resistance groups on how they support the Palestinian nation or defend their people. Three service members were not immediately identified, awaiting notification from their relatives.
Biden called them “patriots in the highest sense” and promised to carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. Jordan condemned the terrorist attack and stated that U.S. forces are cooperating with Jordan in countering terrorism and securing the border. Jordanian government condolences US after attack on Jordan Armed Forces, stating no casualties. Hudson Institute expert Michael Pregent suggests Biden administration should target attack perpetrators and Iran facilities.
The United States has been hit by an aerial drone attack on its troops stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border, marking a red line that the US needs to respond to. The attack was part of a series of aerial assaults targeting US troops in the Gaza-Hamas war.
Despite not engaging in the conflict, the US has supported the Israeli effort and resisted demands for a cease-fire. However, US officials are close to reaching an agreement for a two-month halt in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The initial Hamas attack on Israel in October killed around 1,200 people, while Israel’s counteroffensive has killed over 26,000 Palestinians.
