According to United States Central Command, three U.S. troops were killed and over two dozen were injured by Iranian-backed militants, following an aerial drone attack on a base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border. The strike marked the first line-of-fire deaths of U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7. According to officials, the attack occurred at the Tower 22 outpost. The White House clarified that the attack occurred early Sunday in Jordan, or late Saturday Eastern time.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said that the U.S. was still gathering the facts surrounding the “wholly unjust attack.” Biden said: “Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed — and many wounded — during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border.” Biden said the three service members were “unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country… they were patriots in the highest sense … We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”  The troops have not been identified pending notification of next of kin. An official with the White House National Security Council said that some of the injured service members received serious wounds from shrapnel and some were being screened for traumatic brain injuries.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq released a statement Sunday taking credit for four drone attacks on Al-Shaddadi Base in Syria and the Al-Rukban and Al-Tanf bases at the Syria-Jordan border. The fourth attack was on the Zevulun naval facility in Israel.

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