In a tragic incident on Sunday, three U.S. service members lost their lives, and at least 34 others were injured in a drone attack by “Iran-backed militants” at a U.S. base along the Jordanian-Syrian border. This attack occurred amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which appears to be spreading across the region. These casualties mark the first instance of U.S. troops being killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the beginning of the Hamas-led militants’ attack on Israel on October 7.
The identities of the deceased service members will be kept confidential until 24 hours after their families have been notified, as per U.S. Central Command. President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing grief and confirming that an investigation is underway. He asserted that the attack was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. Biden emphasized that the three service members were “patriots in the highest sense” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable, promising a response at a time and manner of the U.S.’s choosing.
While campaigning in South Carolina, President Biden informed an audience at Brookland Baptist Church about the loss of three brave souls in the attack and assured that the nation would respond. The number of injured troops initially reported as 25 later increased to at least 34, with the drone striking near the troops’ sleeping quarters, a factor contributing to the high casualty count. Eight of the wounded were evacuated from Jordan for higher-level care, and they are reported to be in stable condition.
The attack targeted a logistics support base in Jordan near the Syrian border, where approximately 350 Army and Air Force personnel are stationed to support the fight against ISIS militants.
In the midst of these developments, discussions intensified on a potential agreement between Israel and Hamas, wherein Israel would pause military operations for two months in exchange for the release of over 100 remaining hostages. The proposal outlines the release of women, elderly, and injured hostages in the first 30 days, along with increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. Negotiators, including CIA Director Bill Burns and Israeli officials, expressed cautious optimism about reaching a final accord.
On the political front, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, and Tom Cotton quickly placed blame on President Biden for the tragedy, calling for military action against Iran. They criticized Biden’s policies and urged a clear and decisive response.
Meanwhile, the White House denied claims that it was considering a slowdown in weapons sales to Israel as leverage to influence its military assault in Gaza. The Biden administration clarified that there was no change in policy regarding arms sales to Israel.
Additionally, Israel called for the resignation of the U.N. agency chief for Palestinian refugees after 12 agency staffers were accused of participating in the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Finland, Australia, Italy, Estonia, France, and the U.K., paused funding for the UNRWA program led by Philippe Lazzarini. The situation raised concerns about the well-being of over 2 million people in Gaza who depend on the agency’s programs for survival.
As the region faces increased attacks and growing sophistication, the safety of U.S. personnel is at greater risk despite existing defense measures. The recent drone attack underscores the challenges in preventing such incidents, with concerns about the rising number and enhanced capabilities of hostile actions against U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations, diplomatic efforts, and the potential for further escalations in response to the attack on U.S. troops.