The United States is increasing its air defenses at a base in northeast Jordan following a drone attack that killed three American soldiers. The outpost, known as Tower 22, had not previously been targeted, and as a result, its air defenses were not as strong as those at U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, according to a U.S. official. In response, additional air defense systems designed to intercept drones are being deployed to the outpost.
The base, which is home to about 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, was struck by a drone in the early morning hours on Sunday, causing over 40 injuries. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that the attack was unusual as it targeted living quarters and occurred at an unusual time. An investigation is underway to determine how the drone was able to bypass the base’s air defenses and carry out the deadly attack.
Since mid-October, there have been over 165 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria, and now Jordan by Iranian-backed groups. This incident at Tower 22 marked the first time a drone had landed on the Jordanian side of the border. CBS News’ National Security Correspondent, David Martin, reported on this ongoing situation.
