Deadly Drone Strike on U.S. Troops in Jordan Prompts Concerns about Technology Gap
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed his determination to not tolerate the recent deadly drone strike on U.S. troops in Jordan. The attack claimed the lives of three service members and left dozens injured. As investigations unfold, military experts raise questions about how the perpetrators managed to navigate a supposed technology gap and successfully target Tower 22, a well-known installation located near the northeast corner of Jordan, bordering Syria and Iraq.
Retired U.S. Army Major General James Spider Marks suggests that the incident highlights a technology gap in the anti-drone capabilities of the United States. He acknowledges that various anti-drone measures already exist, including monitoring, detection, identification, and elimination of drones through microwave or laser capabilities, hard nets, jammers, and GPS spoofers. However, the deployment of these capabilities has been lacking, leaving vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hostile forces.
Moreover, General Marks emphasizes that the targeted location in Jordan was a known and static position, making it predictable and hence vulnerable to attack. Consequently, the casualties and deaths resulting from the strike, though tragic, were not entirely unexpected.
As the United States contemplates its response, determining the source and execution of the attack becomes crucial. The intelligence community is working diligently to establish attribution and identify those responsible. While speculation points to an Iranian-backed proxy as the likely perpetrator, it is important to confirm these allegations before proceeding.
General Marks asserts that the U.S. will refrain from directly targeting sites within Iran. However, there are other locations where proxies affiliated with Iran are likely present, prompting consideration of robust target lists. It is essential to distinguish between the locations of fighters and inventories, which may not always coincide. Any response must go beyond a one-time action, inflicting a strong blow to attrit the enemy's capacity effectively. This strategy allows for assessing the enemy's reactions and counteracting accordingly.
The region surrounding Iran reveals the presence of numerous U.S. troops, with thousands stationed in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. While striking every location may not be feasible or wise, selective targeting of proxies and Iranians can address the threat. General Marks advises a precise and focused strike against those responsible for the initial attack, followed by sustained pressure. Other U.S. positions, such as the presence in the Red Sea, should be maintained without undue escalation. The principle of proportionality guides these decisions, ensuring measured responses aligned with international norms.
As tensions escalate in the region, the United States will proceed cautiously, considering various factors to effectively respond to the drone strike. The intelligence community's efforts to pinpoint responsibility, combined with informed decision-making, will likely shape the nature and extent of the U.S. response in the coming days.
