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TAMPA, Fla. — Three U.S. soldiers were killed and more than 30 wounded when a drone packed with explosives attacked a base in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border.
They are the first American deaths in months of attacks by Iranian-backed militant groups since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7. The troops have not been identified pending notification of their families.
The drone hit near a shelter where some troops were sleeping, according to two US officials.
Eight of the wounded were evacuated from Jordan for higher-level care and are in stable condition, US Central Command said.
It is unclear whether all of the wounded soldiers were members of the military or other services.
The attack occurred at a logistics support base in northeastern Jordan. About 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel are deployed to the base, providing support including “to the coalition for the lasting defeat of ISIS,” Central Command said.
In a statement immediately afterward, President Joe Biden said the troops were killed by “radical Iranian-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq,” adding that “we are still assembling the facts of this attack.”
“Today, America’s heart is heavy,” Biden said. “Last night, three U.S. service members were killed – and many wounded – during an unmanned airstrike against our forces stationed in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border.”
Biden called for a moment of silence for the “three brave souls” during an event Sunday at a South Carolina church.
“We will respond,” he said.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued a statement on Sunday taking credit for four drone strikes against the Al-Shaddadi base in Syria and the Al-Rukban and Al-Tanf bases on the Syria-Jordan border. The fourth attack took place against the Zevulun naval facilities in Israel.
It is unclear whether the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is responsible for the deaths of the three American soldiers.
Biden said the three service members “were patriots in the highest sense.”
“We will strive to be worthy of your honor and valor. We will continue our commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt: We will hold all those responsible accountable whenever and however we choose,” Biden said.
Congress reacts
U.S. lawmakers responded quickly, with many saying they were devastated by the deaths and some pressing Biden to take action against Iran for backing the militia that launched the deadly attack.
Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted a link to a news article about the attack and added Two words: “Aim for Tehran.”
Graham, R.S.C., known for his tough views on foreign policy, tweeted: “Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.”
In a series of posts aboutGraham also lashed out at the Biden administration for what he characterized as a failed policy toward Iran.
“When the Biden Administration says ‘no,’ the Iranians ‘do.’ “The Biden Administration’s rhetoric is falling on deaf ears in Iran,” Graham wrote. “Their deterrence policy against Iran has failed miserably.”
Representative Nick Langworthy, R.N.Y., said in X: “This is heartbreaking news; My prayers are with the families of these brave service members. President Biden must immediately hold Iran accountable for its terrorist proxies and reverse any sanctions exemptions in place. “This is the cost of weak leadership on the world stage.”
Rep. Rubén Gallego, D-Ariz., who is running for the Senate, said the U.S. government could not afford to “stand idly by in the face of terrorism.”
“I mourn the families of the three soldiers killed in Jordan,” Gallego said in an emailed statement. “The attack carried out by Iranian-backed militants is an atrocious escalation and must not go unpunished.
“We cannot stand idly by in the face of terrorism,” added Gallego. “I am committed to providing the administration with the resources necessary to protect our troops in the region and hold Iran accountable.”
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