CNN
—
Overnight, a small US outpost in Jordan was the target of a drone attack, resulting in the deaths of three US Army soldiers and at least two dozen injuries to other service members. This marks the first instance of US troops being killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the start of the Gaza war, according to US officials who spoke to CNN.
The attack at Tower 22, near the Syrian border, is believed to have been carried out by Iran-backed militants and originated from Syria. US Central Command confirmed the incident, stating that three service members were killed and 25 others injured as a result of the drone attack on a base in northeast Jordan.
Leading up to this attack, there have been over 158 incidents of drones, rockets, and missiles being directed at US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. Despite the frequent attacks, officials have reported that they have not resulted in significant harm or damage to infrastructure.
The failure of air defenses to intercept the drone is currently unknown. This is the first reported attack on Tower 22 since the onset of attacks on US and coalition forces on October 17. The US forces stationed at the outpost are part of a mission to provide advice and assistance to Jordan.
US officials have expressed a desire to prevent the escalating tensions within the Middle East from evolving into a broader regional conflict. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated last week that there is no conclusive assessment that Iranian proxies are intensifying their attacks on US forces.
Speaking in a previously recorded interview with ABC News, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown emphasized the importance of deterring conflict escalation in the Middle East. He stressed the goal to avoid broader regional conflict and highlighted the need to prevent the situation from worsening.
The attacks have resulted in numerous injuries, with around 70 reported by a senior military official last week, most of which have been classified as minor by the Pentagon. However, one US soldier sustained critical injuries in an attack in Iraq on Christmas Day.
Following a drone attack at Erbil Airbase, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade is expected to be repatriated for further treatment due to his critical injuries.
The US has taken retaliatory measures against Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria, including recent strikes on three facilities in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-associated groups.
The deaths of the three Americans coincide with upcoming discussions between the US and Iraq regarding the future of the US military presence in the country.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
