The pro-Iranian militia drone that killed three US soldiers in Jordan was mistaken for an American one

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US FORCES SAY THEY MISTAKENLY ALLOWED DEADLY DRONE ATTACK ON BASE IN JORDAN
The deadly assault, blamed on Iranian militias, has resulted in the loss of three American soldiers and dozens more injured. The attack occurred at the Tower 22 US military base in northeastern Jordan on Monday, January 29, 2024.

According to official sources, US military personnel may have failed to identify an enemy drone as it breached the base, mistaking it for an American aircraft and allowing it to enter unopposed. The resulting explosion killed three soldiers and left more than 40 others wounded, with eight being evacuated for medical reasons, and three to be transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

The base, Tower 22, is equipped with anti-drone systems, such as the Coyote drone interceptors. Despite this, none of these systems were activated during the attack, prompting urgent inquiries into the chain of events.

President Joe Biden is grappling with the delicate task of blaming Iran for the assault while striving to prevent further escalation of the Gaza conflict. The attack in Jordan comes amidst ongoing attacks on US troops in the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted, with this being the first involving American service members’ casualties.

White House officials have made it clear that the United States is not seeking further conflict in the region, but they have promised retaliatory actions against those responsible for the attack. The Biden administration has declared its commitment to defending US interests and troops, emphasizing that it will respond appropriately to the strike at Tower 22.

In Iran, the state news agency IRNA has denied any involvement in the attack, claiming that these allegations are allegedly being made with specific political objectives. However, reports indicate that various Iranian proxies in the region have previously been involved in missile strikes and attacks on American troops.

The Iraqi government has condemned the drone attack, affirming its desire to engage in diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation of violence in the region. Meanwhile, former National Security Advisor John Bolton has urged the Biden administration to take swift action to impose costs on Iran and restore deterrence.

While awaiting US Central Command’s evaluation of the incident, the Biden administration finds itself at a crossroads, determining the best course of action to navigate the intricacies of regional conflict in the Middle East.