29 JAN 2024 · The most recent significant drone strike incident occurred in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border, where three U.S. service members were killed and 34 were wounded. The drone attack targeted U.S. forces stationed at a base in the region. This attack is part of a series of increasingly dangerous assaults by Iran-backed militants in the area. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the attack hit the Tower 22 logistics support base. Approximately 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel operate in support roles at this base, including for the international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group. The drone attack in Jordan has been linked to Iran-backed militants, although Iran has denied any involvement in the attack. There has been no official claim of responsibility for the strike. However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups, claimed to have launched three drone attacks at bases in Syria, including near the Jordanian border. This group has opposed U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict and has demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The escalating conflict in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, has contributed to a tense regional atmosphere. The U.S. and its allies have been involved in retaliatory strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen against Iran-backed groups. The Israel-Hamas conflict, in particular, has been marked by high casualties, with significant civilian losses on both sides. This situation poses a considerable challenge to international relations and stability in the Middle East, especially in an election year for the United States. The U.S. has vowed a "consequential response" to the drone strike in Jordan, highlighting the seriousness with which it is approaching this incident and the broader regional tensions.