US Troops Killed in Jordan After Mistaking Enemy Drone for US One

A recent incident involving U.S. forces in Jordan has led to speculation that an enemy drone, mistaken for an American one, penetrated a desert base, resulting in the death of three U.S. troops and wounding many others. This event unfolded amidst President Joe Biden’s efforts to address the situation without escalating the ongoing Gaza conflict.

During the drone’s low-altitude approach, a U.S. drone was returning to the same base, known as Tower 22. This coincidence might have contributed to the failure to intercept the hostile drone. The attack primarily damaged a trailer used for sleeping quarters, while adjacent trailers suffered minor damage. Notably, Tower 22, although lacking extensive air defense systems, is equipped with counter-drone technology like Coyote drone interceptors.

The Pentagon reported that over 40 troops were injured, with injuries ranging from cuts to brain trauma. Eight of these were evacuated for medical treatment, three to Germany’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. Central Command is still assessing whether human error contributed to the incident.

The Pentagon identified the deceased soldiers as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, all members of the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade based in Fort Moore, Georgia.

As the White House sought to avoid further conflict with Iran, whom it believes responsible for the strike, Biden convened with his national security team to weigh potential retaliatory measures. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized the challenging nature of the situation and the importance of careful consideration.

The attack complicates an already tense situation in the Middle East, as the Biden administration works to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding regionally. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, reiterated their commitment to protecting U.S. forces.

The incident at Tower 22, a remote U.S. military outpost in northeastern Jordan near the demilitarized zone with Syria, is part of a series of attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East since October 7. However, this is the first to result in American fatalities.

Biden has vowed to hold those responsible accountable but stated that the U.S. is not seeking another Middle Eastern conflict. Kirby echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration over the ongoing attacks by Iranian proxies but clarifying that the U.S. is not looking for war with Iran. Tehran has denied involvement in the Jordan strike.

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump criticized Biden’s handling of the situation, labeling it a result of Biden’s perceived weakness.

The attack occurred as U.S. officials observed progress in talks aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas hostage situation in Gaza. A potential deal, facilitated by U.S. and Middle Eastern mediators, would involve the release of hostages and a pause in fighting, laying groundwork for a more lasting resolution.