In a shocking revelation, the initial assessment of the drone attack that killed three American soldiers at a remote base in Jordan indicates that U.S. forces were likely unaware of the approaching Iranian-made drone. The investigation further states that there was no air defense system in place capable of shooting down the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These findings, which have not been previously reported, suggest that the drone may have gone undetected due to its low flight path, according to a U.S. defense official with direct knowledge of the assessment.

The base, known as Tower 22, relied on electronic warfare systems designed to disable or disrupt drones' paths, but lacked weapons that could physically eliminate the aerial threats. Flying low to the ground is a common tactic employed by drone operators to minimize or evade radar detection. Another U.S. official affirmed the belief that the drone flew too low to be detected.

The preliminary findings challenge the previous assumption that U.S. air defenses mistook the attacking aircraft for an American drone returning to the base. They raise concerns about the Pentagon's ability to keep pace with the evolving threats faced by U.S. personnel in the Middle East since the escalation of violence following the Gaza conflict. U.S. Central Command, responsible for overseeing military operations in the region, has refrained from commenting on whether the militants responsible for the attack had knowledge of the base's limited defenses.

The base, located at the Jordanian border with Syria and Iraq, primarily serves as a support site for the isolated Tanf garrison in Syria. U.S. forces stationed there aim to disrupt Iran's efforts in supplying weapons and resources to partners and proxies in Syria and other regions.

The January 28 attack in Jordan marked the first American deaths from hostile fire since the conflict in Gaza triggered a series of assaults on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria by Iran-affiliated groups. Pentagon data reveals at least 168 such incidents since mid-October.

The drone strike occurred in the early morning, targeting a housing unit where many of the 350 troops stationed at Tower 22 were asleep. Dozens of personnel were injured in the blast. In response to the deadly attack, U.S. warplanes conducted airstrikes on over 85 targets in Iraq and Syria associated with Iran's Quds Force and local militias it supports.

Although Tower 22 had multiple electronic warfare systems capable of neutralizing drones, its defenses were limited, considering the perceived threat level at the outpost. However, the official with direct knowledge of the initial assessment emphasized that changes to the base's defensive posture have been implemented promptly.

The incident highlights the urgent need for improved drone-detection systems that provide more time to identify and neutralize potential threats. Passive defenses, such as anti-drone nets and barriers, have been successful in other vulnerable locations, demonstrating the importance of a comprehensive air defense strategy.

The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and the Pentagon is committed to implementing necessary measures to safeguard its forces. As the vulnerability of outposts like Tower 22 becomes apparent, the military should consider a wider range of proactive measures to combat evolving drone warfare.

As the U.S. military continues to refine its defenses based on emerging threats, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers deployed in the region. Efforts to protect troops must be prioritized to ensure their safety in an ever-changing security landscape.