Deadly Attack in Jordan Prompts President Biden's Promise of Retaliation
In a devastating attack on a military base in Jordan, three U.S. troops were killed at Tower 22, a military outpost near the Syrian border. U.S. defense officials have reported that at least 30 fighters were killed in the retaliation, with 34 service members injured and the possibility of that number increasing. As the world eagerly awaits President Biden's response, the exact nature of the retaliation remains unknown.
Earlier, President Biden had authorized two carrier strike groups to be deployed to the Middle East. However, the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group has since returned home to Norfolk, leaving only one carrier strike group, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, in the region. Notably, this strike group has been actively involved in launching strikes against Iran's rebel army in Yemen.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen between the Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, and various factions has led to major disruptions in the region. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been responsible for attacks on commercial shipping, prompting the U.S. response. The U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyers and the cruiser USS Philippine Sea have been engaged in shooting down ballistic missiles and conducting tomahawk strikes.
The availability of firepower in the region is a matter of concern. While there are limited tomahawk missiles in the vertical launch systems aboard the destroyers, there are two carrier strike groups stationed in the Pacific, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Theodore Roosevelt. It is possible that one of these strike groups could be redeployed to the Middle East. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force maintains F-16s and F-15s at al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Tower 22, the military base attacked in Jordan, primarily serves as a support base for the Jordanian government in their anti-terror operations. It houses logistics experts and electronic warfare experts who assist in counteracting threats. The presence of U.S. troops at this base is crucial in preventing the flow of weapons from Tehran to Damascus and Lebanon, eventually making their way to Beirut. Removing troops from this region was met with significant pushback in the past due to concerns over the strength and influence of Iranian-backed militias.
In response to the recent attack, Iran-affiliated groups are reportedly withdrawing their personnel from nearby bases, anticipating a potential retaliation from the U.S. This tactic of 'shoot and scoot' is a common practice for these groups, as they quickly retreat after launching rockets or drones. These attacks on U.S. forces are not isolated incidents, with over 160 attacks occurring in the Middle East. Despite previous assertions that a strong U.S. presence would deter Iran, the situation on the ground indicates otherwise.
The Pentagon has been cautious about allowing the crisis to escalate beyond Gaza since the tragic Abbey Gate suicide attack in Afghanistan during the withdrawal from the country. However, the reality of the situation paints a different picture, with the conflict expanding into what some have referred to as a 'low-grade war.'
As President Biden weighs his options for retaliation, the international community anxiously awaits the unfolding developments. The world looks to the United States for a decisive response to the deadly attack on U.S. troops, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
