Amid reports of an enemy drone strike resulting in the deaths of three American troops and wounding dozens of others in Jordan comes reports that the drone may have gotten through American defenses because it was confused for an American drone that was returning around the same time.
This is according to U.S. officials as reported by the Associated Press. The low-flying drone was returning to the small desert outpost, named Tower 22, and was inadvertently allowed to pass, according to two officials who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
What Was The Cost In Human LIfe?
There was no attempt to shoot down the drone. U.S. troops use trailers for their sleeping quarters and are especially vulnerable to such attacks because of it. Reports are that an estimated 34 troops suffered wounds, including cuts, bruises, and traumatic brain injuries.
Eight of the wounded had to be medically evacuated while the most seriously hurt individual was in critical but stable condition. The location is in the northeastern corner of Jordan near the border with Syria. President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militia groups operating in the region for the attack.
These are the first U.S. casualities in the region amid months of drone strikes against American Forces there.
Though Biden has promised retaliation for the strike, the White House has reiterated its desire to not go to war with Iran although they believe the country was behind the strike.
This is yet another layer in a morbid tapestry that continues to play out as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The United States is actively engaged in attacking Houthi targets along the western portion of Yemen, they're actively participating in the Red Sea maritime coalition to defend ships in the region, and are attempting to rein in Israeli military action in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu pledges to stay the course.
"The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday as he met at the Pentagon with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. "We are not looking for a war with Iran," Kirby told NBC's "Today" show.
"We are not looking to escalate the conflict in the region. ... Obviously, these attacks keep coming. We'll keep looking at the options. I can't speak for the supreme leader or what he wants or he doesn't want. I can tell you what we want. What we want is a stable, secure, prosperous Middle East, and we want these attacks to stop."