Amman, Jordan: Three American troops were killed and over 30 injured in a drone attack on Sunday at the Al-Tanf base in Syria, near the Jordan-Syria border. Contrary to earlier reports, the incident did not occur on Jordanian territory, as clarified by the Jordanian government spokesperson, Muhannad Mubaidin.
The attack comes amid soaring tensions in the region, where Israel continues its war on Gaza in response to an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Israel
President Joe Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed militants and expressed the commitment to combat terrorism. This marks the first instance of American military personnel being killed by hostile fire in the Middle East since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, intensifying regional tensions.
"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," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement.
At least 34 U.S. servicemen are injured
A U.S. official later said that at least 34 U.S. servicemen are injured with apparent traumatic brain injuries.
About 3,000 American soldiers are stationed in Jordan, in whose territory it was initially reported that the attack itself took place; However, the Jordanian government issued a denial of this, saying that the attack took place at the al-Tanf base in Syria.
Significant escalation of the fighting
This is a significant escalation of the fighting between the U.S. and the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria, which have been attacking American targets since mid-October in an attempt to pressure Washington to end the war in Gaza.
Hamas, in response to the incident, asserted that the United States' support for Israel might lead to a confrontation with the entire Muslim world if civilian casualties persist in Gaza, warning of a potential "regional explosion."
Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility
Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for targeting U.S. personnel with drones in Syria, although it remains unclear if this claim pertains to the attack resulting in the death of the American troops. The region has witnessed over 150 attacks on U.S. and allied forces since mid-October, with retaliatory strikes from Washington in Iraq and Syria.
Many of the attacks on US personnel have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
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