CNN reported that a drone targeted a U.S. base on the Syrian-Jordanian border, specifically in northeastern Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers and injuries to approximately 34 others. In his first comment on the incident, President Joe Biden confirmed that three U.S. military personnel were killed and many others were injured in a drone attack on U.S. forces stationed in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border. He stated, "We will continue our commitment to combat terrorism and hold all those responsible for this attack accountable."
Biden added in a statement, "While we are still learning the facts about this attack, we know it was carried out by armed militant groups supported by Iran operating in Syria and Iraq." He continued, "My family and I join the families and friends of those killed and Americans across the country in mourning the loss of these warriors in this heinous and utterly unjust attack. These service members embodied the best of our nation; they were unwavering in their courage, unwavering in their duty, and unwavering in their commitment to our country, risking their safety for the safety of Americans and our allies and partners whom we stand with in the fight against terrorism. This is a battle we will not stop fighting."
Biden emphasized that the three American service members lost were patriots in every sense, and the nation would never forget their sacrifices. "Together we will maintain the sacred commitment we owe to their families and strive to be worthy of their honor and bravery." He concluded the statement by reiterating, "We will continue our commitment to combating terrorism, and rest assured, we will hold all those responsible at the time and in the manner we choose."
The White House reported that Defense Secretary Austin, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and Deputy National Security Advisor briefed Biden this morning on the attack against U.S. service members. The U.S. Department of Defense indicated that the attack involved a bomb-laden drone. They stated, "Washington blames Iranian militias for the attack on U.S. forces in Jordan," adding, "We consider what our forces faced in Jordan a serious escalation." It noted, "This is the first time American soldiers have been killed in attacks on U.S. interests since the start of the war on Gaza." The Wall Street Journal cited an American official stating that the attack occurred at Tower 22, a small site in Jordan near the Syrian border.
### Casualties and Military Response
An American official told Reuters that the number of U.S. troops injured in the drone attack is rising, adding that around 34 troops are being monitored for potential brain injuries. The Pentagon has not yet released details regarding the nature of the injuries, but traumatic brain injuries are common after substantial explosions. Two U.S. officials informed the agency that efforts are underway to transport the injured from the base following the attack. The Washington Post discussed ongoing efforts to determine why the air defense system at Tower 22 failed to intercept the drone.
### Jordan's Government Response
A spokesperson for the Jordanian government stated on Sunday that the attack that led to the deaths of three American soldiers did not occur on Jordanian soil but in Syria. Government spokesperson Mohannad Mubaidien told the Jordanian "Al-Mamlaka" television channel that "the attack targeting U.S. forces near the Syrian border did not take place inside Jordan." He clarified that the attack targeted the Tanf base in Syria.
### Reactions from Hamas and Iran
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri commented, "The killing of three American soldiers is a message to the U.S. administration that if the killing of innocents in Gaza does not stop, it will have to face the entire nation." He continued, "The ongoing American-Zionist aggression on Gaza is sufficient to ignite all situations in the region."
The Iranian news agency IRNA confirmed that "the accusations made by President Joe Biden against Iran concerning the attack on U.S. forces are baseless."
