Three US service members killed in Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan

Three US service members were killed and at least 25 others were wounded in a kamikaze drone attack on an outpost in Jordan near the Syrian border on Saturday night, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday. This is the first time that US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the beginning of the war in Gaza.

According to CENTCOM, the attack took place at a base in northeast Jordan. CENTCOM stated that the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

At least 34 personnel were being evaluated for possible traumatic brain injury, a US official told Reuters. A defense official told The Washington Post on Sunday evening that the drone struck the living quarters of the base, causing injuries from cuts and bruises to brain injuries.

The Iran-backed militias in Iraq issued a statement early Sunday morning saying that they had targeted the al-Tanf base overnight, located at the conjunction of the Syrian, Jordanian, and Iraqi borders.

Jordan condemned the attack on Sunday evening, expressing condolences to the US. The spokesman for the Jordanian government, Dr. Muhannad Mobaideen, stressed that "Jordan will continue to confront the threat of terrorism and the smuggling of drugs and weapons across the Syrian border into Jordan, and will firmly and powerfully confront anyone who attempts to attack the security of the kingdom."

Mobaideen told the Jordanian al-Mamlaka TV channel that the attack took place outside Jordanian territory at the al-Tanf base.

Iran itself denies any involvement in the attack

Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a statement on Monday that Tehran was not involved in the attack.

"Iran had no connection and had nothing to do with the attack on the US base," the mission said in a statement published by the state news agency IRNA.

It added: "There is a conflict between US forces and resistance groups in the region, which reciprocate retaliatory attacks."

President Biden: We will hold all those responsible to account

US President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Sunday evening, placing blame on Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq.

“Today, America’s heart is heavy,” said Biden. “While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.”

“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. 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. And have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”

Doug and I mourn the loss of the three U.S. service members killed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border in a despicable attack by Iran-backed militant groups. Our prayers are with their loved ones and those injured.These fallen patriots served bravely and selflessly,…

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 28, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris mourned the loss of the service members, reiterating that the US would "continue to fight terrorism" and would "hold all those responsible to account."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin expressed outrage at the attack, saying "Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on US forces, and we will respond 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."

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his condolences to the families, stressing that “America must send a crystal clear message across the globe that attacks on our troops will not be tolerated.”

We are saddened by the loss of three American heroes in Jordan last night, and we are praying for their families and for the 25 other service members who have been injured.America must send a crystal clear message across the globe that attacks on our troops will not be…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 28, 2024

Graham: Hit Iran now. Hit them hard

US Senator Lindsey Graham demanded stronger action in response to the attack, posting on X “When the Biden Administration says ‘don’t’, the Iranians ‘do’. The Biden Administration’s rhetoric is falling on deaf ears in Iran. Their policy of deterrence against Iran has failed miserably.”

Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 28, 2024

“The Biden Administration can take out all the Iranian proxies they like, but it will not deter Iranian aggression. I am calling on the Biden Administration to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression,” stressed Graham.

“The only thing the Iranian regime understands is force. Until they pay a price with their infrastructure and their personnel, the attacks on US troops will continue... I’ve long since lost confidence in the Biden national security team to deter Iran. If they do not change their policies now, more American service members in the region will pay the price.”

“Hit Iran now. Hit them hard,” added the senator.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed his condolences to the US, stating "We stand united in our values and battle against a common enemy. Their sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured."

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded, saying, “the killing of three American soldiers is a message to the American administration that unless the killing of innocents in Gaza stops, it must confront the entire nation, and that the continuation of the American-Zionist aggression against Gaza is capable of detonating the entire region.”

Reuters contributed to this report.