From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
US weighs strong response to deadly drone attack on forces in Jordan
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWashington is weighing a “powerful” response to the deadly drone strike in Jordan this weekend that killed three US service members and wounded many, CNN reports, citing US officials.
They were the first US fatalities in months of strikes against American forces across the Middle East by Iranian-backed militias amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, increasing the risk of escalation.
US officials were still working to conclusively identify the precise group responsible for the attack, but have assessed that one of several Iranian-backed groups are responsible.
President Joe Biden attributed the attack Sunday to “radical Iran-backed militia groups.”
US troops long have used Jordan as a basing point, and the attack took place in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border. US Central Command said 25 service members were injured in the attack in addition to the three killed.
At least 34 personnel were being evaluated for possible traumatic brain injury, a US official told Reuters. Some 3,000 American troops typically are stationed in Jordan.
US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted in more than 150 attacks since mid-October, according to the Pentagon, and Washington has carried out retaliatory strikes in both countries.
The Times of Israel Community.