U.S. Central Command announced in a Jan 28 press release that three U.S. Service Members and 34 additional personnel were injured in a one-way attack drone attack that ‘impacted a base’ in northeast Jordan, near the Syrian border.
Those numbers are expected to rise as service members seek follow-on care. Eight injured personnel required evacuation from Jordan to receive higher levels of care, but are in stable condition.
According to the press release, the attack occurred at the logistics support base located at Tower 22 of the Jordanian Defense Network, which supports approximately 350 Army and Air Force personnel.
“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the deaths of three of our U.S. service members and the wounding of other American troops in an attack last night against U.S. and Coalition forces, who were deployed to a site in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border to work for the lasting defeat of ISIS,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, in a separate DoD press release. “These brave Americans and their families are in my prayers, and the entire Department of Defense mourns their loss.”
According to Austin, Iran-backed militias are responsible for the attacks on U.S. forces, and a response will occur “at a time and place of our choosing”.
“The President and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests,” Austin continued.
President Biden stated in a White House release, “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.”
“The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation,” the President continued. “Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism.”
Out of respect for the families and by DoD policy, the identities of the service members are withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
