On January 29, 2024,
the US outpost in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border named Tower 22 was
attacked by a drone strike. It killed three US soldiers, while more than 40
other service members were injured following an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
attack. Those service members were in Jordan to support Operation Inherent
Resolve (OIR), which is the US and coalition mission to defeat Daesh. In the
aftermath of this strike, the situation in the Middle East has heightened
concerns regarding the safety of US forces and the expansion of the Israeli war
on the Gaza Strip to the region.
اضافة اعلان
This incident marks a
significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities against the US army in the Middle
East since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, representing the first instance
of US troops being killed in the Middle East. US President Joe Biden has
pledged to punish those responsible, and he attributed the attack to
Iran-backed militant groups active in Syria and Iraq.
Many experts remarked
on the failure of previous assumptions about managing threats from Iran and its
proxies. The belief that US forces were adequately protected and that responses
were sufficient has been challenged, particularly in light of US deaths at
Tower 22 in Jordan.
“The belief that US forces were adequately protected and that responses were sufficient has been challenged, particularly in light of US deaths at Tower 22”
Knowing that since
the beginning of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, Jordan has demanded that
the US provide it with the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system to secure its
borders and territory in anticipation of the expansion of the war and repel
such attacks, this incident not only targeted US forces but also implicated
Jordan in the direct military confrontations with Iranian proxies in the
region.
Tehran's broader goal
is to push out US forces from the region, making the situation complex. The
Biden administration faces a critical decision point, considering the rising
anti-American sentiments and the potential for increased violence in the region.
Experts suggest a more robust response to deter further attacks, including
actions such as targeting Iranian air and naval assets, interdicting
Revolutionary Guard shipments, and enforcing sanctions.
The attack on Tower
22, located in northeastern Jordan near the Jordanian-Syrian border, raises
concerns about Iran's growing influence and risk in the region. The importance
of dealing with the broader Iranian threats becomes apparent, necessitating a strategic
reassessment.
“The importance of dealing with the broader Iranian threats becomes apparent, necessitating a strategic reassessment.”
The US contemplates
its response; considerations include potential escalation, regional conflict
dynamics, and the implications for ongoing negotiations with Iraq on US troop
presence, which contribute to the complexity of the situation.
The repeated attacks
by militants underscore the limitations of current US defenses against UAVs.
This incident highlights the need for a more comprehensive strategy to counter
evolving threats in the Middle East. Experts emphasize the importance of holding
Iran accountable for its actions and implementing measures to strengthen UAV
defenses.
In conclusion, the
recent attack on the US outpost in northeastern Jordan has prompted a need for
a reevaluation of US strategies in the Middle East. The need for a decisive and
comprehensive response, enhanced defenses, and a clear stance on Iran's actions
is crucial to safeguarding US interests, US allies, and regional stability. The
coming weeks will likely shape the trajectory of US involvement in the region
and its approach to addressing the evolving threats.
Rakan Nawaf AlGhaniem is a Research Fellow at the Arab Institute for Security
Studies.
Disclaimer:
Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Jordan News' point of view.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
