"Islamic Resistance" in Iraq claimed responsibility
Three U.S. soldiers killed in drone attack near Jordan-Syria border
NEWSROOM, January 28 — Three U.S. service members were killed and 25 others were injured in a drone attack on a U.S. base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border, as announced by U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) today.
CENTCOM added that the attack “involved a one-way attack unmanned aerial system (UAS) at the Al-Tanf base, a location within Syrian territory near the Jordanian border”.
The Jordanian government, through its spokesperson Mohannad Mubaydeen, denied that the attack took place within its borders, contrary to initial reports.
The “Islamic Resistance” in Iraq claimed responsibility for the drone attack, describing it as a response to “American occupation forces in Iraq” and actions by the “Zionist entity” in Gaza. The group said that they targeted four bases, including Al-Tanf. While they claimed responsibility, the U.S. “is still confirming the specific group involved”, as reported by a U.S. official to CNN.
A spokesperson for Al-Nujaba, Hussein Al-Moussawi, labeled the targeted base, Tower 22, as a hub for American forces aiding ISIS gangs to destabilize the region and protect “Zionist-American interests.”
Former Iraqi army senior officer and military expert Ayyad Al-Tufan commented on the attack, noting its significance as “the first announced deaths of American soldiers since March 2023”. He speculated that the attack might have been orchestrated under Iranian orders and suggested a potential escalation in the region.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Today, America’s heart is heavy.” He emphasized the dedication of the fallen service members and assured that the perpetrators would be held accountable.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement that “this attack would NEVER have happened if I was President, not even a chance”. He attributed the attack to what he described as the “weakness and surrender” of Joe Biden’s presidency, contrasting it with his own administration’s approach to Iran and global conflicts.
In adherence to the Department of Defense policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
