Three U.S. troops were killed in Jordan, and Pentagon officials received a briefing on the incident. The soldiers, identified as Sergeant William Rivers, Specialist Kennedy Sanders, and Specialist Breonna Moffitt, were part of the 718th Engineer Company, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. They were deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, which aims to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS alongside the international coalition.
The Department of Defense expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, stating that their bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. The Department of Defense also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.
Eight individuals who sustained injuries during the attack were subsequently evacuated from Jordan to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center. Three of these patients will be transported to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for further care, while the remaining five have been assessed for mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and are expected to return to duty.
The Pentagon is currently assessing the details surrounding the attack and how a one-way attack drone was able to impact the facility. U.S. Central Command is conducting an investigation into the incident, but due to operational security reasons, no further specifics or measures to prevent future attacks will be disclosed.
However, it was noted that Iran-backed militias are responsible for the continued attacks on U.S. forces in the region. The President and the Secretary of Defense have previously emphasized that such attacks will not be tolerated, and the United States will take all necessary actions to defend its military personnel deployed overseas, at a time and place of its choosing.
Over the weekend, Secretary of Defense Austin received regular updates on the attack and participated in a briefing with the President and the national security team. Today, Secretary Austin resumed his duties at the Pentagon and hosted a bilateral meeting with the NATO Secretary General. They discussed various topics including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the upcoming NATO summit, and ways to further strengthen transatlantic security.
Secretary Austin also met with President Biden at the White House, and later in the day, he is scheduled to host the NATO Secretary General again, accompanied by Secretary Blinken and the National Security Advisor. Additionally, the Secretary plans to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a follow-up appointment regarding his treatment for prostate cancer. According to his doctors, he continues to recover well and is expected to make a full recovery.
As the investigation into the attack in Jordan continues, the United States remains committed to safeguarding its military personnel and responding to threats posed by Iran-backed militias in the region.
