President Biden faced a challenging day grappling with the first US soldiers being killed since the start of the conflict in Gaza.
“We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases, “ said Biden during a campaign stop in South Carolina on Sunday. “And we shall respond,” Biden added after a moment of silence.
The White House confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed by their national security team this afternoon on the latest developments regarding the attack on a small US base in Jordan, near the border with Syria.
The drone attack took place on Saturday, leading to the deaths of three service members. The Department of Defense reported that thirty troops sustained injuries. President Biden condemned the attack as “despicable and wholly unjust.”
Ever since Israel began its war on Hamas, tensions have escalated in the Middle East, resulting in several drone and missile attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria. This is the first targeting to occur in Jordan during the war. The aerial drone attack will most likely increase hostilities in the region, considering Biden said the fight against terrorism will not cease.
“We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing,” said Biden.
“We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
