On January 28, a drone attack on a military base near the Syrian border in Jordan claimed the lives of three US Service Members and injured 40 others, according to the Department of Defense (DOD). In response to the attack, the US military struck back, targeting more than 85 locations in Iraq and Syria using what they described as “high-precision munitions.” Following the attack and the subsequent retaliation, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-linked groups, claimed responsibility for the original attack. In the aftermath, President Joe Biden met with family members of the three US casualties, and a dignified transfer of their bodies occurred at Dover Airbase in Delaware, attended by both the President and the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. However, the Syrian Defense Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes saying that “The US aggression resulted in civilian and military casualties and caused considerable damage to public and private property.”
Professor Zoe Oxley, the William D. Williams Professor of Political Science at Union College, highlighted some important points regarding the significance of the event. “In the past, when US service members were killed abroad, the American public typically rallied in support of the president’s foreign policy. More recently, though, these types of rallies are less common, mostly because evaluations of the president are more closely tied to partisanship.” Many in the US are unaware of why US troops are currently being stationed in Jordan, and the deaths have prompted questions about the presence there. Furthermore, there is skepticism in the US regarding President Biden’s military support of Israel and overall Middle Eastern policies.
One challenge facing the US as it contemplates further strikes and policy options to address further aggression against troops stationed overseas is the risk of escalating violence. Tensions with Iranian proxy forces and other opposing groups in the area such as the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) in Yemen, are a cause for concern Policy advisors and many in the general public are cautious of becoming entangled into another foreign entanglement which will could lead to civilian casualties, and more US troops being killed. Some Democrats in Congress advocate for limited strikes, and a more passive role of deterrence, while some Republicans advocate for a more aggressive approach.
While it remains uncertain if further intervention will come from these drone strikes against US soldiers, tensions in the area remain high. US bases in the area are exploring solutions to prevent future deadly attacks. Drone technology has become increasingly prevalent on the modern battlefield, with widespread deployment in conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza, utilized by both irregular and regular combatants alike.
