Restoring American deterrence without provoking an armed confrontation with Iran: The response to the deaths of three American soldiers on Sunday, January 28, in an attack on a base on the Jordan-Syria border poses a challenge for Joe Biden Difficult Decision. “We will respond,” the American president assured, blaming “Iranian-backed groups of radical fighters operating in Syria and Iraq.” As the Republican camp calls for a direct strike on Iran, Mr. Biden added: “Have no doubt: We will hold all those responsible accountable when and how we want.” » This is the first time since these attacks intensified as In response to Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip in mid-October 2023, American soldiers were killed by shelling of pro-Iranian militias in the Middle East.
The attack, carried out with a drone, targeted the T-22 base in northeastern Jordan on the border with Syria on Sunday morning. According to the American Central Command in the Middle East (Centcom), 350 members of the army and air force are stationed there, particularly as part of the fight against the Islamic State organization. The attack not only killed three soldiers but also injured 34 others, eight of whom had to be evacuated to Jordan, Centcom said. The air defense was unable to intercept the drone that was launched from Syria.
On Sunday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for drone attacks on three American bases on Syrian territory, particularly targeting the Rukban area, near which the T-22 logistical support base is located. Since October 17, this fog of Iraqi militias near Iran has claimed responsibility for nearly 160 drone, rocket and ballistic missile attacks on American bases in Syria and Iraq. Until then, these shots had only caused minor injuries.
Intercepting Iranian weapons
These groups criticize Washington's support for Israel and call for the withdrawal of American troops from the region. The US responded with targeted attacks in Iraq and Syria. Jordan, home to 3,000 American soldiers, is being targeted for the first time. A Jordanian security official, quoted by Portal on condition of anonymity, called on Washington to supply Patriot air defense batteries.
While neither Iran nor the US want an armed confrontation, the two warring countries have been in an escalation since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip broke out on October 7, 2023. Iraq and Yemen have increased their attacks against Israel and its American ally to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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