In a startling turn of events, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has asserted responsibility for a drone attack that resulted in the tragic loss of three American soldiers and left 34 others wounded at a logistics support base along the Jordan-Syria border. The incident, which occurred near Tower 22, marks the first instance of American casualties by enemy fire since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.
The group, identified as an umbrella organisation of Iran-backed armed factions, stated that the attack was in retaliation for what they termed “war crimes and genocide of the child-killing Zionist regime,” referring to Israel. However, Iranian authorities vehemently denied any involvement, emphasising that the resistance groups in the region operate independently.
Nasser Kanaani, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified Iran’s stance, asserting that these groups act based on their own principles, priorities, and the interests of their country and people. He dismissed claims of Iranian influence as attempts to “reverse the realities of the region” and accused third parties, including Israel, of being involved.
US President Joe Biden and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron pointed fingers at Iran-backed groups for the attack. President Biden, a staunch supporter of Israel’s actions in Gaza, condemned the incident as “despicable and wholly unjust” and pledged to hold those responsible accountable “at a time and in a manner [of] our choosing.”
More on Tower 22
In Jordan, Tower 22 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s borders. It is situated at the most north-eastern point where Jordan meets Syria and Iraq. This strategic location is of significant importance due to its proximity to the al-Tanf garrison, where a small number of US troops are stationed across the Syrian border. While not much is publicly known about Tower 22, its position suggests it could provide support to US troops at al-Tanf, contribute to countering Iran-backed militants, and help monitor the remnants of the Islamic State in the region.
Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the United States has invested substantial resources, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, to assist Jordan in establishing a sophisticated surveillance system known as the border security program. This initiative aims to prevent the infiltration of militants from neighbouring Syria and Iraq. Jordan, as a key regional ally, regularly conducts joint exercises with US troops and hosts hundreds of American trainers throughout the year.
In response to evolving security challenges, Jordan has sought additional support from the United States. Last year, Amman requested the deployment of Patriot air defence systems to enhance its border defenses. Additionally, the country has asked for more aid to address the threat posed by drones used in war along the Syrian border.
Currently, there are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in north-east Syria, focused on combating the remnants of the Islamic State. However, specific details about the number of US troops stationed at Tower 22, the types of weapons in their possession, the air defence systems utilised, and the circumstances surrounding the recent attack remain unclear.
Rising tensions in the Middle East
Tensions in the region have soared as Washington accuses Iranian-backed groups of orchestrating numerous attacks on US military installations in Iraq and Syria since the onset of the conflict. Concerns are mounting about the potential for further escalation and regional conflict.
Fears have intensified amid attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping and the near-daily cross-border fire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The recent surge in attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed groups is seen as retaliation for the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
The Iran-backed groups justify their strikes as responses to Washington’s support for the Israeli war on Gaza, aiming to pressure US forces to withdraw from the region. In recent months, the US has conducted targeted strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to address attacks on American forces and deter Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The situation remains fluid, and international observers are closely monitoring developments in the volatile region.
