Recent U.S. Soldiers' Deaths in Jordan by Iranian-backed Militia: International Relations Impact
A recent drone strike by an Iranian-backed militia in Jordan resulted in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers, heightening tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East. The attack raises questions about U.S. presence along the Jordan-Syria border, reasons behind the conflict, and potential implications for future relations. President Biden faces pressure to respond decisively while balancing the risk of escalating into direct conflict with Iran.
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CQ Press Lecture Spark JANUARY 29, 2024 Connecting current events to your International Relations classroom
U.S. Soldiers Killed in Jordan by Iranian backed Militia In the early morning hours on Sunday, January 28 a drone strike on a U.S. military base in northeast Jordan killed three American troops and injured dozens more. The attack was carried out by members of an Iranian- backed militia. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) claimed responsibility for the attack on Tower 22, a U.S. military base located along the Jordan-Syria border. The IRI is an umbrella term and refers to Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq. The three American soldiers killed were army reservists from Georgia. Jordan has condemned what it is calling a terrorist attack, while Iran has denied any involvement. What happened in Jordan? 2
U.S. Soldiers Killed in Jordan by Iranian backed Militia The deadly drone strike on U.S. military personnel in Jordan represents the first American combat deaths in the Middle East since October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel. Tower 22 located in Jordan overlooks a small garrison across the border in Syria where American forces have been based for the last several years and support anti-ISIS fighters. The American presence along the Jordan-Syria border is meant to establish security and stability in what is otherwise a lawless desert. The area is strategically located and is used by Iran to smuggle weapons to its proxies such as Hezbollah. Why does the U.S. have a presence along the Jordan-Syria border? 3
Background and Key Concepts Recently, a drone attack hit a U.S. military base in Jordan killing three and injuring at least 34. In response U.S. President Joe Biden vowed revenge against those responsible. The is not the first assault on U.S. armed forces in the region. More than 160 attacks have occurred against American troops in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan since mid-October. There are concerns that the attack will escalate already heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran and could lead to war between the two. The justification for the attacks on U.S. forces by the Iran-backed groups is America s support for Israel in its war against Hamas, along with a desire to remove the U.S. from the region. Prior to the war between Israel and Hamas the U.S. had over 30,000 troops in the Middle East and America has only expanded its footprint in the region because of the events of October 7. President Biden is facing pressure back home to respond forcefully with some lawmakers advocating striking strategic targets within Iran. The Biden administration must weigh its desire to exact revenge against potentially inflaming tensions and causing direct conflict with Iran. Up until this point there have been numerous skirmishes between the U.S. and Iranian-backed militias throughout the Middle East. The question remains to what extent the U.S. will hold Iran accountable for this latest attack by its proxies. Analysists predict that fighting will continue between the U.S. and Iran-backed militias for the foreseeable future. 4
Assessment Writing: What is the significance of the fatal attack on U.S. troops in Jordan? Debate: What are the reasons for the increase in fighting between the Iran-backed militias and the U.S.? Poll: Should the U.S. strike strategic targets within Iran? Short Answer: What are the ramifications if the U.S. and Iran go to war? 5
