Last night, three U.S. troops were killed and 25 wounded from a suicide drone in northeast Jordan. 

Details about the attack continue to emerge, but it is highly likely that Iran was directly or indirectly behind the strike. 

Suicide Drone Attack by Iran-Backed Forces

On Sunday morning, the U.S. Central Command announced that three American soldiers were killed and 25 wounded when a one-way attack unmanned aerial system struck their outpost in northeast Jordan less than a mile from the border with Syria. 

The outpost that came under attack is called “Tower 22” and has been providing support to U.S. forces within Syria and the nearby base of al-Tanf, which also houses special operations troops. U.S. troops in the area have been supporting counterterrorism operations against the so-called Islamic State for several years. 

Suicide drones, or one-way attack systems, are on the rise after their very effective employment in the battlefields of Ukraine. 

Iranian-backed militias have been attacking U.S. troops and bases in the region for months. But until now, their attacks were seen as a nuance as opposed to a credible threat. Nevertheless, at least 70 troops have been injured by these attacks, with one very serious casualty on Christmas Day. Things are very likely to change after this latest deadly attack.

“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. It is a fight we will not cease,” President Joe Biden said in a press release on Sunday. 

What Will Joe Biden Do on Iran?

The White House is at a crossroads. Despite repeated warnings, Iran has continued to supply and encourage militias to attack U.S. forces in the region. Although a full-scale war against Iran wouldn’t be wise, Tehran needs to feel the consequences of its actions. Anything less would invite further attacks in the future against U.S. troops and interests. 

“The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation. Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism,” President Biden said. 

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the region continue to rise. In the past few weeks, a U.S.-led military coalition launched several air and missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Backed by Iran and its paramilitary organization, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Houthis have been targeting with anti-ship missiles and suicide drones Western and non-aligned shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Several vessels have been hit, threatening the smooth operation of a key global trade route.

“Have no doubt,” Biden concluded, “we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing. 

About the Author  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. Email the author: [email protected].