Officials have reported that a drone strike, which was launched by Iran-backed militants and appeared to originate from Syria, has led to the first American military casualties since the onset of the Gaza war. CNN notes that this incident marks a new chapter as U.S. troops have not suffered fatalities in the Middle East since the conflict began.
The U.S. forces were stationed at Outpost 22, a position established in cooperation with Jordan as part of a mission to provide advice and assistance.
In an interview with ABC News, General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the United States aims to maintain control over events in the Middle East and prevent the conflict from escalating.
As of Friday, more than 158 attacks have targeted U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. These attacks have not caused serious injuries or significant infrastructure damage.
The United States has conducted several retaliatory actions against Iranian-supported Iraqi and Syrian groups.
PRESIDENT
JOE BIDEN PROMISES A RESPONSE
Responding to the news of the military incident, President
Joe Biden released a statement on Sunday, promising to hold those responsible accountable. He added that the United States will choose the timing and manner of this accountability.
"Let there be no doubt: we will hold those responsible to account in a manner and at a time of our choosing," Biden stated in his declaration published.
Military analysts speaking to the American media expressed that the militants, by killing American troops, have crossed a line, potentially leading to a change in the U.S.’s deterrence-based Middle East policy, and concurrently, could exacerbate the Middle East conflict.