U.S. National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby stated that the Biden administration will take appropriate measures to address the incident.
During a televised interview, Kirby assured that President Joe Biden, as the commander-in-chief, would decide on any necessary actions to defend U.S. interests in the Middle East. He clarified that the additional force capability deployed to the region is meant for defensive purposes, and Washington does not desire a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the death of three U.S. service members and left 34 others injured. A one-way drone targeted an American base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border, according to the U.S. Central Command.
President Biden, in a statement released by the White House, pledged to continue the fight against terrorism and asserted that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable at a time and manner chosen by the United States.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the drone attack. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, prompting the U.S. administration to reiterate its commitment to self-defense while avoiding an escalation into a broader conflict with Iran. (ILKHA)