Biden promises response following deadly Jordan drone strike against US troops

Attack on US soldiers in Jordan: President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that the U.S. "shall respond" after three American soldiers were killed and over 30 more injured in an overnight drone attack near the Syrian border in northeast Jordan.

Biden attributed the strike to Iran-backed militias, marking the first U.S. fatalities from months of assaults by such groups on American forces across the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

While travelling in South Carolina, Biden requested a moment of silence during an appearance at a Baptist church banquet hall. "We had a difficult day last night in the Middle East. We lost three courageous souls in an attack on one of our bases," he remarked. After the moment of silence, Biden added, "and we shall respond."

Last night, three U.S. service members were killed, and many wounded, during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border.

Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen in grieving the loss of these warriors in this…

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 28, 2024

With rising risks of military escalation in the region, U.S. officials worked to conclusively identify the precise group responsible for the attack, but assessed that one of several Iranian-supported groups was behind it.

Biden stated in a written declaration that the United States "will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing." Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said "we will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests."

Last night, three US service members were killed—and many wounded—during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border. While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed… pic.twitter.com/190lMGwbrw

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024

According to reports, Iran-backed fighters in east Syria began evacuating their posts, fearing U.S. airstrikes. Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist heading the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, informed that the areas are the strongholds of Mayadeen and Boukamal.

Per a U.S. official, the number of troops injured in the one-way drone attack rose to at least 34. Another official, who also spoke anonymously to discuss undisclosed details, said a large drone hit the base, identified by two other American officials as Tower 22 in Jordan along the Syrian border. It is largely used by troops involved in the advise-and-assist mission for Jordanian forces.