John Kirby from the National Security Council discusses potential U.S. actions in response to a fatal attack in Jordan.
Following the drone strike on a US military base in the Middle East on Sunday.killed three U.S. service members
According to a high-ranking member of the Biden administration, numerous people were harmed and many others were wounded. The U.S. government is committed to taking appropriate measures to protect itself. However, preventing a larger conflict in the region is also a key concern.
“I am not interested in escalating the conflict in the region. We do not want to engage in another war, but we are willing to take necessary actions to ensure our safety,” stated John Kirby, a representative for the National Security Council at the White House, during an interview on “CBS Mornings” on Monday.
Kirby commented on the increasing attacks on American troops stationed in the Middle East, which have raised concerns about Iran and its allies following Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. On Sunday, an aerial drone strike on a U.S. military base in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border, resulted in the deaths of three American troops and injuries to at least 34 others, according to President Biden and the U.S. military. Jordan is a friend of the U.S.
Thirteen individuals from the United States lost their lives in a bombing carried out by a suicide attacker in Kabul in the year 2021, during the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.
Before sunrise, an American military base known as Tower 22 experienced an incident. The Department of Defense reports that approximately 350 members of the U.S. Army and Air Force are stationed at this outpost. The soldiers who were injured or killed were inside their barracks at the time, and according to Kirby, it is likely that most, if not all, of them were asleep in their beds due to the early hour.
According to him, it appears that there was only one drone involved in the attack. He also mentioned that American authorities are currently gathering more details about the incident. Kirby acknowledged that there could be more people injured from the attack, especially if they show signs of concussions, possibly indicating a traumatic brain injury.
This is the latest assault attributed to Iran-backed militant groups amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with previous incidents occurring in Yemen.Iranian-backed Houthi rebels
Houthi forces have been engaging in acts of aggression against ships in the Red Sea. In retaliation, the United States has initiated airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since last month. On Friday, Houthi militants fired a missile at the USS Carney, a U.S. warship.
The Republican members of Congress urged the Biden administration to take action against Iran following the attack on Tower 22. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need for the U.S. to send a strong message that assaults on our military will not be accepted. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Iran should be struck immediately and with force.
During an interview with “CBS Mornings,” Kirby stated that he had no new updates to share at the moment.
Kirby stated that the president has increased the military strength in the Middle East. There are no updates on changes in military positioning to share at this time, but Kirby assured that the president, as commander in chief, will make necessary decisions to ensure our ability to protect ourselves.
Additionally, he recognized Iran’s actions as causing instability.
Kirby stated that Iran’s actions and support of militia groups, as well as their involvement in Syria and allowance of maritime attacks by the Houthis, are concerning and have a destabilizing effect. He acknowledged the influence Iran holds in the region.
The White House informed Mr. Biden of the assault following its occurrence on Sunday morning. He then gathered with government officials, such as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, later in the day.
During a gathering in South Carolina on Sunday, the president announced, “We tragically lost three courageous soldiers in an assault on one of our military bases. I request a moment of silence to honor all three of our fallen soldiers. And we will take action in response.”
Emily Mae Czachor
Source: cbsnews.com