Three US service members were killed and at least 25 others were wounded in a drone attack on a US outpost in Jordan, near the border with Syria, on Saturday night.
The attack was claimed to be by a group of militants called the Popular Resistance Brigades, acting in retaliation for the US sanctions and military actions against Iran and its allies in the region. It was also said to be the deadliest against US forces in the Middle East since the Gaza war began in November 2023.
The US outpost, known as Tower 22, is a small and remote base that hosts about 100 US troops, mainly from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. The base is located in the northeastern corner of Jordan, close to the tri-border area with Syria and Iraq. It is part of the US-led coalition’s efforts to train and support local forces fighting against the Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups in the region.
According to US officials, the attack occurred around 10 p.m. local time, when a swarm of drones loaded with explosives targeted the base. The drones were able to evade the base’s air defenses, which were designed to counter conventional aircraft and missiles, not low-flying and small drones.
It caused multiple explosions and fires, destroying several tents, vehicles, and equipment. The attack also damaged the base’s communication and power systems, hampering the rescue and evacuation efforts.
The drone attack on the US outpost in Jordan has sparked outrage and condemnation from the US and its allies, as well as calls for investigation and accountability.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was “outraged and saddened” by the attack, and that he “will not tolerate any attacks on our troops or our interests”. He said that he had ordered a full review of the incident, and that he will,
“take all necessary and appropriate actions to protect our people and hold those responsible to account”.
He also expressed his condolences and support to the families and friends of the fallen and wounded service members, and praised their courage and sacrifice.
