The US government has identified the three troops killed in a drone attack in Jordan on Sunday.
The victims are Sgt William Jerome Rivers, 46, Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23. They lost their lives when a drone struck their housing unit.
The US has attributed the attack to Iranian-backed groups, with the Pentagon suggesting the involvement of Kataib Hezbollah. While the US does not seek war with Iran, it has condemned the actions of these groups.
According to CBS News, an Iranian-made drone, possibly of the “Shahed” type, was used in the attack. The Shahed drone is known as a one-way attack drone that Iran has reportedly supplied to Russia.
Despite accusations from the US and the UK, Iran has denied supporting militant groups responsible for the drone strike.
The three soldiers were part of an army reserve unit based in Fort Moore, Georgia. Lt Gen Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General US Army Reserve Command, expressed condolences and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family, and loved ones. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy”, said Gen Daniels.
The drone attack occurred in Rukban, north-eastern Jordan, near the Syrian border, specifically at a base identified by US officials as Tower 22. Over 40 military personnel were injured when an unmanned aerial system targeted the container housing unit they were in on a Sunday morning.
According to US officials, features of the air defense system at Tower 22 were turned off during the attack because an enemy drone coincided with the return of a US drone. Troops at the air base were reportedly in their sleeping quarters when the drone struck, catching them off guard.
Despite the denial of involvement by Iran, the US has expressed determination to take “all necessary actions” in response to the attack on American forces. The Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, along with President Biden, has underscored the seriousness of the situation.