WASHINGTON D.C.   Three  U.S. service members lost their lives, and 25 others sustained injuries in a drone attack on an outpost in northeast Jordan near the Syria border, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command on Sunday. The attack, carried out by an unmanned aerial drone, marks a significant escalation in the Middle East and is the first instance of American troops being killed by enemy fire in the region since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

Click here to get breaking news updates sent to your email for free.

The identities of the deceased service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, in accordance with Department of Defense policy, stated CENTCOM.

President Biden, briefed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, condemned the attack and pointed fingers at “radical Iran-backed militant groups” operating in Syria and Iraq. Biden expressed grief over the loss and praised the fallen service members as patriots embodying the best of the nation’s values.

“Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed – and many wounded – during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border,” President Biden remarked.

While the investigation into the attack is ongoing, Biden assured that the United States would hold those responsible to account, choosing the time and manner for such actions. The President emphasized the nation’s commitment to fighting terrorism and pledged to honor the sacrifice made by the fallen service members.

Updates on the incident will be provided as they become available, according to U.S. Central Command. The drone attack serves as a grim reminder of the complex challenges faced by U.S. forces in the region and the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.