Three U.S. service members were killed in a drone attack on a military outpost in northeast Jordan close to the Syrian border. U.S. Central Command announced the tragic incident on Sunday in a statement, in which it also revealed that 25 troops got injured in the attack.
BREAKING: 3 American troops killed, 25 injured in attack on Jordan base near Syria border https://t.co/pVK2GKC8ms
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 28, 2024
“On Jan. 28, three U.S. service members were killed and 25 injured from a one-way attack UAS that impacted at a base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border. As a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with DoD policy, the identities of the servicemembers will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified,” the statement read.
“Updates will be provided as they become available,” CENTCOM added.
The exact location of the attack has not been confirmed by the Department of Defense. However, The Wall Street Journal reported that a U.S. official source said it happened at Tower 22, a small outpost in northeast Jordan near Al Tanf Garrison in southeastern Syria. U.S. forces had reportedly been working with local authorities to fight Islamic State militants in the area.
The attack would be the first time U.S. service members would be fatally attacked in the Middle East since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.
According to the White House, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer informed president Joe Biden about the attack on Sunday morning.
Condemning the attack, Biden stated, “Today, America’s heart is heavy. 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. While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.”
The president added, “Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen – and Americans across the country – in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country – risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. It is a fight we will not cease.”
Per the Associated Press, Biden also said that the U.S. “shall respond” after asking for a moment of silence for the lost souls during an appearance at a South Carolina church’s banquet hall.
