On Sunday, US President Joe Biden vowed revenge after three US service members were killed in a drone attack in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border.
Biden claimed that the Iranian-backed militants of the Islamic Resistance attacked Tower 22 near the Syrian border, which marked a significant escalation in the growing conflict in the Middle East.
Biden Vows Revenge After 3 US Troops Killed in Jordan
On Saturday, four separate drone strikes targeted three US bases, and the US was investigating why the T-22 base's defense mechanism failed to stop the drone.
US Central Command announced that five troops were also injured in the strike on early Sunday morning. A US official told Reuters that at least 34 service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injury.
Biden, traveling in South Carolina, requested a moment of silence during an appearance at a Baptist church's banquet hall.
"We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases," he said. After the moment of silence, Biden continued, "and we shall respond."
In Sunday's statement, the president said that America's heart is heavy today, as they know that the attack was carried out by Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.
He praised that the three service members exemplified the greatest qualities of their nation, which shows unwavering commitment and bravery.
Furthermore, Biden added the service members put their safety in danger to ensure the safety of their fellow Americans and their allies who also fight against terrorism.
David Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, said Westminster strongly condemns attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups against US forces. He added that they will continue to urge Iran to de-escalate in the region.
He continued that their thoughts are with those US personnel who have lost their lives and all those who have sustained injuries, as well as their families.
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: US President Joe Biden speaks to a crowd during the South Carolina Democratic Party First in the Nation Celebration and dinner at the state fairgrounds on January 27, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina holds its Democratic party primary on February 3.
Jordan Denies Attack
The Islamic Resistance issued a statement and said that there would be escalations if the US kept supporting Israel. The group claimed that all the US interests in the region are legitimate targets and warned that they know that martyrdom is their prize and they do not care about US threats.
Charles Lister, the senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and long-time Syria expert, said it was a significant escalation that everyone has been concerned about. He continued, saying that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps would feel encouraged if there was not a genuinely decisive response to the attack.
He noted that this is the 180th attack since October 18, which must be responded to as the game-changer that it is.
Jordan initially denied the attack occurred on its territory and later said it took place on the border, in an indication that it does want to stay out of any impending conflict.
The Jordanian government released a statement denouncing the terrorist attack. However, a senior security source told Reuters that the country has previously asked the US for air defense systems and drone-fighting technologies.
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