According to a preliminary report released by two U.S. officials on Monday, a drone that killed three American soldiers in Jordan and wounded dozens of others may have been confused with an American drone returning to the U.S. installation.
Since the American army did not recognize the opposing drone as an enemy, there was no effort to shoot the aircraft that hit the outpost early Sunday morning down.
While the opposing drone was flying in at a low altitude, a U.S. drone was returning to the small desert installation known as Tower 22 and may have been permitted to pass by mistake, as cited by the official’s report, who were not authorized to comment and have requested anonymity.
One of the trailers where troops sleep bore the brunt of the strike, while surrounding trailers suffered limited damage from the hit and flying debris.
Officials stated that of the 34 wounded troops, a majority sustained cuts, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, and similar wounds- eight of them were medically evaluated and the most gravely injured soldier is in critical but stable condition.
An explanation for why the opposing drone evaded U.S. air defenses on the installation came as the White House announced on Monday that it is not seeking war with Iran, despite President Biden vowing retaliation against the attack, and his meeting with the national security team in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments. Tehran is believed to be behind the strike, according to the Democratic administration.
On Monday, Iran denied being behind the Jordan strike.
“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,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday as he met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon.
The Biden administration faces a complex plan of action, as they look to strike back against Tehran without allowing the war in Gaza and tensions in the regional area to grow more severe.
This drone attack was one of dozens on the U.S. troops in the region since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7th, which exacerbated the already tense relations that existed as a result of Israel’s occupation of Palestine. However, this is the first drone strike to kill American troops.
After Biden’s announcement that they will try to hold the opposing party responsible, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated that the U.S. was not looking to get involved in a conflict with Iran and other countries in the region, and that they will take necessary actions to achieve a form of peace in the region and avoid future attacks.
