Three American soldiers were killed and 34 others injured in a drone attack on an American military base called Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan, near the border with Syria. The White House blamed Iran for the attack and promised a “very consistent” response.
What do we know about the attack on Tower 22?
The attack occurred on Sunday and was the first documented death of American soldiers from enemy fire in the region since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. According to a defense official, the drone flew in “very low and very slowly” at the same time as an American drone was returning to base from a mission.
The base's air defense system's automatic response capabilities were turned off to avoid shooting down the American drone. In this way, there was little to no warning to the troops stationed in Tower 22, who were apparently still in their quarters when the enemy drone arrived.
Are American bases in the Middle East at risk?
The base targeted in the deadly attack is just one of more than a dozen where American military personnel operate in Iraq, Jordan and Syria. In recent months, these bases have been attacked by militias trained, funded and equipped by Iran.
There are about 3,000 U.S. troops stationed in Jordan, a key U.S. ally, and 2,500 in Iraq, where they have been invited by the Iraqi government to become part of a U.S.led coalition to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State jihadist group .
Who is the Islamic resistance in Iraq?
The militant group that claimed responsibility for the attack on Tower 22 is the Islamic Resistance of Iraq. The group emerged in late 2023, shortly after Israel began bombing the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7.
How will the White House respond?
Reacting to the attack, President Joe Biden called the crackdown “despicable and completely unfair” and blamed Iranianbacked militant groups. The president promised that he will “hold all those responsible accountable at a time and in a manner of our choosing.” Now all eyes are on the White House, which is under pressure to respond with force to the attack.
Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, told the BBC he believes the US should respond: “more force than we have previously used“. According to him, it is “Time to use force,” which is “the only thing they understand.”“. He added: “I believe the Pentagon is even considering targets in Iran as options for the White House.“