US President Joe Biden has vowed to respond to a deadly drone attack on US troops in Jordan. The attack resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers, while more than 30 others were injured. This incident marks the first time that US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to US officials, the drone struck near the living quarters on the military base, which is located near the border with Syria. President Biden has blamed Iran-backed militant groups for the attack. However, Iran's permanent mission to the UN has denied any involvement in the incident, as reported by the Iranian state media.
President Biden, who was briefed by his national security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, described the attacks as despicable and wholly unjust. He expressed deep sorrow and pledged to respond at a time and in a manner determined by the US. The discussions within the White House are focused on finding a response that can deter future attacks while also preventing the conflict from escalating further.
Pressure is mounting on President Biden from some Republicans to directly retaliate against Iran for these attacks. However, the White House's priority remains avoiding a broader conflict. US officials have feared that attacks on American troops in Iraq and Syria could lead to fatalities, and unfortunately, those fears have now become a reality.
In the wake of these developments, President Biden faces a crucial decision on how to respond effectively to prevent such incidents in the future. He is expected to make this decision in the coming days.
In a statement, President Biden paid tribute to the fallen soldiers as patriotic individuals whose sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation. He emphasized the commitment to fulfill the sacred obligation owed to their families.
Meanwhile, President Biden is dispatching his top intelligence official, Bill Burns, to France for talks with counterparts from Egypt and Israel. These discussions aim to negotiate the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and achieve a sustained cessation of hostilities. American officials hope that these negotiations, coupled with the temporary pause in the fighting, will create an opportunity for a comprehensive plan to end the conflict and achieve lasting peace in the region.
The deaths of American soldiers in Jordan have increased the urgency of these talks, highlighting the need for swift action to bring about a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
