New Delhi: Three United States army soldiers were killed and several others were injured in a drone attack on a US outpost in Jordan, President Joe Biden said in a statement on Sunday. This is the first time since the beginning of the Gaza war that American service members were killed by enemy fire in the Middle East. President Biden attributed the attacks to Iran-backed militia groups.
“These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country — risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. Have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing,” President Biden said, as reported by CNN.
According to US officials, the drone was fired by Iran-backed militants and it appeared to come from Syria. The drone strike happened at Tower 22 in Jordan near the border with Syria, CNN reported.
READ | Blows, Kicks, Hair Pulled As Maldives Parliament Witnesses Chaotic Brawl, Video Goes Viral
“Three service members were killed and 25 injured in a one-way drone attack that impacted at a base in northeast Jordan,” US Central Command said in a statement, as reported by CNN.
President Biden was briefed on the attack on Sunday morning, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, reported news agency AP.
It is yet to be ascertained as to how the air defence system failed to intercept the drones.
However, there was no immediate response from Jordan.
It is to be noted that US army has used Jordan as their base point and since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza war, the troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have faced drone and missile attacks on their bases.