U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday that a drone assault by Iran-backed militants targeted American troops in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, resulting in the deaths of three Americans and the injuries of at least 34 others.
The attack marks the first lethal assault on United States forces since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October.
Biden stated that radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq carried out this attack, while the facts are still being gathered.
“Have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing,” said the president.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations issued a statement on Monday denying any involvement of Tehran in the attack.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Biden’s threat: “We shall respond.” Earlier in the day, Austin and other senior officials briefed Biden on the attack.
34 personnel were injured in the attack, but that number may change as more seek care, according to U.S. Central Command. Eight people were evacuated from Jordan for higher-level care but are in stable condition.
Experts anticipate that this attack will heighten concerns about a broader Middle Eastern conflict, following the escalation of hostilities in Gaza on October 7.
