TAMPA, Fla. — Three U.S. troops were killed and 25 were injured following a drone attack on a base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border, according to United States Central Command.
These are the first U.S. fatalities in months of strikes by Iranian-backed militant groups since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7. The troops have not been identified pending notification of next of kin.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said the troops were killed by “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq,” adding that “we are still gathering 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 aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border.”
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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq released a statement Sunday taking credit for four drone attacks on Al-Shaddadi Base in Syria and the Al-Rukban and Al-Tanf bases at the Syria-Jordan border. The fourth attack was on the Zevulun naval facility in Israel.
It’s not clear if the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is responsible for the deaths of the three U.S. troops.
Biden said the three service members “were patriots in the highest sense.”
“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,” Biden said.
Congress reacts
U.S. lawmakers quickly responded, 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 drone strike.
Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted a link to a news article about the attack and then added two words: “Target Tehran.”
Graham, R-S.C., who is known for his hawkish foreign policy views, tweeted: “Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.”
In a series of posts on X, Graham also lambasted the Biden administration for what he characterized as a failed policy toward Iran.
“When the Biden Administration says ‘don’t,’ the Iranians ‘do’. The Biden Administration’s rhetoric is falling on deaf ears in Iran,” Graham wrote. “Their policy of deterrence against Iran has failed miserably.”
“This is heartbreaking news — my prayers are with the families of these brave service members,” Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., said on X. “President Biden must immediately hold Iran accountable for their terrorist proxies and reverse any standing sanctions waivers. This is the cost of weak leadership on the world stage.”
Rep. Rubén Gallego, who is running for U.S. Senate, said the U.S. government could not afford to “stand idle to terrorism.”
“I am grieving for the families of the three service members killed in Jordan,” Gallego said in an emailed statement. “The attack carried out by Iranian-backed militants is a heinous escalation, and it must not go unpunished.
“We cannot stand idle to terrorism,” Gallego added. “I am committed to providing the administration the needed resources to protect our troops in the region and hold Iran accountable.”
Read More: 3 U.S. troops killed and dozens injured in drone attack in Jordan