Biden Decides Response to Jordan Attack; Iraqi Group Suspends Attacks

President Joe Biden has indicated that he has determined how to respond to the recent drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American service members. This attack, attributed to Iran-backed militia groups, marks the first loss of American troops in a series of attacks on U.S. forces since the October 7 assault by Hamas on Israel. Biden, while aiming to avoid escalating the conflict in the Middle East, has not disclosed specific details of his planned response.

Biden is scheduled to participate in the dignified transfer ceremony for the fallen troops on Friday, reaffirming his commitment to avoid a broader conflict in the region. His administration continues to assess various response options, as confirmed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby aboard Air Force One. Kirby indicated that the U.S. response might involve multiple actions over time.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, considered one of the potential perpetrators by U.S. officials, has declared a halt to military operations against U.S. forces, citing a desire not to embarrass the Iraqi government. This temporary cessation of hostilities comes as the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is aligned with Iranian factions, tries to maintain good relations with Washington and has condemned attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq.

Biden has spoken with the families of the slain soldiers, offering condolences and support. He has also received support from the families for his planned attendance at the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base.

The Pentagon has posthumously promoted two of the fallen soldiers, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, acknowledging their sacrifice. Since October 18, there have been numerous attacks on U.S. military installations in the region, including in Iraq, Syria, and now Jordan. The recent attack in Jordan is the first to result in American military fatalities in the Middle East since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Biden’s decision to attend the dignified transfer follows his attendance at a similar ceremony in 2021 for 13 troops killed in Afghanistan. Additionally, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany is preparing to receive three U.S. service members injured in the drone attack, one of whom is in critical but stable condition.