U.S. officials say there have been at least 160 attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East since mid-October, after this weekend’s attack on a Jordanian base near the Syrian border killed three U.S. soldiers and injured dozens more. said the people.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin addressed Sunday’s attack and vowed that the United States would “take all necessary actions” to protect the safety of American forces in the region.
“I want to start with my anger and sadness for the deaths of three brave American soldiers in Jordan and the others who were injured,” Austin said.
“The President and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. troops, and we will take all actions necessary to protect our nation and our troops.”
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This satellite photo provided by Planet Labs PBC shows the military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan on October 12, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reported that Austin returned to the Pentagon on Monday. His first in-person job after prostate cancer surgery came after Sunday’s attack, the deadliest for the U.S. military since 2021. Mr. Griffin reported that Mr. Austin was “actively engaged” in discussions about the U.S. response.
U.S. forces in the Middle East have been attacked at least 160 times since mid-October. (Fox News)
Iran claims connection to Jordanian drone attack, US soldier’s death ‘unfounded’
The base that the drone struck on Sunday is known as Tower 22. The outpost is home to about 350 military personnel, most of whom were asleep when the drones struck the base, Griffin reported.
Military personnel stationed there are focused on the mission of defeating ISIS.
Several U.S. service members require critical treatment but are in stable condition, defense officials said. They remain on medical evacuation due to their injuries.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon on Monday, January 29, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Mr. Austin’s comments Monday echoed those from the White House, which expressed “deep condolences” to those killed.
“Today we join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of three souls, three service members who lost their lives,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. “As you all know, yesterday was a very dark day.”
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“This is a very difficult day for Americans,” she continued. “So we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and troops. I think you heard that yesterday from the president. He said…we will respond. The president As a public official, he has always been very clear that his focus is to make sure we protect our military.”
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the friends and families of the three military personnel who died yesterday,” she added.
Sunday’s attack was the deadliest since a suicide bomb attack on U.S. troops at the Monastery Gate of Afghanistan’s Kabul airport after a chaotic withdrawal in August 2021.
