Tragedy Strikes: US Troops Lost in Jordan Drone Attack

Date: January 28, 2024
News Type: Military Incident
Country: United States/Jordan
Location: Tower 22 Base, Northeastern Jordan

The United States Defense Department has recently confirmed a somber and significant incident in Northeastern Jordan, at the Tower 22 Base. On January 28, 2024, a drone strike, executed by Iranian-backed forces, tragically resulted in the death of three Army Reserve soldiers from the 926th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Benning/Moore in Columbus, Georgia. This attack marks a poignant moment in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting the ever-present dangers faced by US forces in volatile regions. The soldiers, who were part of a crucial mission aimed at defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria, paid the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty. Their loss not only impacts the military community but also draws attention to the complex geopolitical tensions in the region.

The recent drone attack on Tower 22 Base, a logistics support facility in northeastern Jordan, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving US forces in the Middle East. On January 28, 2024, a one-way attack drone struck this critical installation, resulting in the tragic loss of three US Army Reserve soldiers and injuring up to 34 other personnel. These events were reported by U.S. Central Command and further highlighted by President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in their public statements condemning the attack and vowing to respond accordingly.

Army Spc. Kennedy Sanders, right, posing for a selfie with her mother, Oneida Oliver-Sanders, at a ceremony in Columbus, Ga., on Aug. 9, 2023.

Victims of the Attack

The attack claimed the lives of Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, all members of the 926th Engineer Brigade. Their service and sacrifice, particularly in a mission aimed at defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria, underscore the dangers faced by military personnel in volatile regions. The U.S. Department of Defense, in accordance with its policy, withheld the identities of the fallen soldiers until 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications.

This image provided by Shawn Sanders shows Spc. Kennedy Sanders, a 24-year-old Army Reserve soldier from Waycross, Ga.

The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed the tragic loss of three Army Reserve soldiers in a drone attack by Iranian-backed forces on Tower 22 Base in Northeastern Jordan. The soldiers, part of the mission to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria, were from the 926th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Benning/Moore in Columbus, Georgia:

1. Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46, from Carrollton, Georgia.

2. Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, from Waycross, Georgia.

3. Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, from Savannah, Georgia.

Their dedication and service will be remembered as they were committed to a crucial mission in a volatile region.

The Strategic Importance of Tower 22

Tower 22 serves as a crucial support base for US military operations in the Middle East, particularly those aimed at counteracting ISIS activities in Syria and Iraq. The facility, not publicly disclosed by Jordan, hosts engineering, aviation, logistics, and security troops. This strategic importance is underscored by its proximity to the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria, a key location for training partner forces and conducting operations against ISIS.

Geopolitical Implications

The attack has profound implications for US-Iran relations and the broader dynamics of the Middle East. Iranian-backed militias have been identified as the likely perpetrators, aligning with a pattern of escalating tensions and attacks in the region. This incident further complicates the already volatile situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. response and strategy will be closely watched for indications of how it intends to address these challenges and maintain stability in the region.

Military Response and Strategic Outlook

In the wake of this attack, the US military and the Biden Administration are faced with the task of crafting an appropriate response. This response must balance the need to hold those responsible accountable while avoiding further escalation. The incident at Tower 22 is likely to prompt a reassessment of the US military’s strategy in the region, particularly regarding the deployment and protection of its forces. The administration’s approach will be critical in signaling the United States’ commitment to its regional interests and allies.

Historical Context

The drone attack on Tower 22 is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of attacks against US forces in the Middle East. Since October 2023, there have been over 150 strikes on bases housing U.S. troops, involving a mix of drones, rockets, mortars, and ballistic missiles. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the current situation and anticipating future developments. This background helps in analyzing the strategies and responses of the involved parties, particularly the US military’s approach to safeguarding its personnel and interests in such a complex and hostile environment .

The drone attack in Jordan that led to the tragic loss of three American soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the region and the risks involved in military operations. As the US and its allies navigate this challenging landscape, the incident at Tower 22 Base is likely to have lasting implications on military strategy and geopolitical relations. The memory of Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett will endure, emblematic of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of global security and peace.