Biden pledges response as Iran denies involvement in US base drone strike

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IRAN, Jan 29: In the aftermath of a deadly drone attack on a US base near Jordan’s border with Syria, Iran has vehemently denied any involvement. The strike claimed the lives of three US troops, with dozens more injured. The US attributes the attack to “radical Iranian-backed militant groups.” President Biden, promising revenge, declared, “We shall respond.” This marks the first instance of a strike causing US troop fatalities in the region since Hamas’s October attack on Israel.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group formed in late 2023, claimed responsibility for the attack, targeting three US bases in Syria and Jordan—Shaddadi, Rukban, and Tanf. Additionally, the group claimed to have targeted an Israeli oil facility in the Mediterranean.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran refuted accusations of supporting the militant groups involved. Nasser Kanaani, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, emphasized that Iran played no role in the decision-making of these groups in defending Palestinians or their own countries.

U.S. officials reported at least 34 military personnel being evaluated for possible traumatic brain injury, with some injured soldiers medically evacuated. The drone reportedly struck living quarters, potentially explaining the high casualty count. President Biden, briefed on the attack by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, expressed condolences and condemned the “wholly unjust attack.”

US Central Command and President Biden identified the targeted base as Tower 22 in Rukban, northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border. US bases in Iraq and Syria have faced attacks 97 times since October, leading to retaliatory airstrikes against Iran-affiliated groups.

In an effort to deter further escalation, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen CQ Brown emphasized the US aim in the region is to “not have the conflict broaden.” Meanwhile, US and coalition troops stationed in the Red Sea respond to attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on commercial ships, unrelated to the conflict in Gaza.

The situation remains complex, with the US military expressing concerns about Houthi actions impacting vessels globally. Furthermore, two Navy Seals are presumed dead after going missing during an operation off the coast of Somalia to seize Iranian-made weapons destined for Houthi rebels in Yemen.

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