In a tragic incident, three U.S. service members were killed and at least 34 others wounded when an enemy drone managed to breach defenses at a U.S. base in Jordan. According to two U.S. officials, the working theory suggests that American personnel mistakenly identified the enemy drone as one of their own returning from a surveillance mission.

The attack occurred on Sunday and targeted a housing area at the Tower 22 outpost. It is believed that the attack was carried out by Iran-backed militants. The strike has escalated tensions in the region, leading to concerns of further U.S. involvement. This marks the first time American troops have been directly targeted since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

The U.S. has been supporting Israel against Hamas while simultaneously trying to prevent the escalation of the conflict throughout the broader Middle East. Despite this, the U.S. has accused Iran-supported militants of conducting numerous strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in opposition to Israel's campaign.

In response to the attack, President Joe Biden has warned that there will be American retaliation. However, Iran has denied any involvement in the incident. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also expressed his condemnation of the attack and vowed to defend the United States, its troops, and its interests.

The identities of the slain service members have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The Tower 22 outpost, located in the northeastern region of Jordan, supports operations across the border at the U.S. base at al-Tanf in Syria and assists the Pentagon's advise-and-assist mission for the Jordanian military.

Recent months have seen an increase in Iran-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria, as well as on American ships and international commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have resulted in numerous injuries, with casualties reported on both sides.

The U.S. has responded with targeted retaliatory strikes to deter further escalation. However, the tit-for-tat exchanges with militants in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have steadily intensified. Some lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration for not seeking congressional authorization for the strikes in Yemen, while the administration maintains it acted within existing legal authority.

Following the confirmation of the attack in Jordan, several members of Congress have expressed their condolences to the families of the slain and wounded service members. Republicans, in particular, have criticized the administration for its handling of Iran, calling for a clearer message that attacks on U.S. troops will not be tolerated.

As the investigation continues and tensions remain high, the international community will closely watch for any potential escalation of the conflict and the U.S. response to this tragic incident.