US troops killed and dozens injured in drone attack on Syria-Jordan border | BBC News

Summary

Three U.S. troops were killed and 34 injured in a drone attack on an American base near the Syria-Jordan border. President Biden blamed Iran-backed militant groups and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. Separately, a British warship shot down a drone targeting it, launched by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen. Attacks by Iran's regional proxies have intensified amid the Gaza war. Biden faces pressure to retaliate, but wants to avoid escalation during ceasefire talks in Paris. Israel is intensifying attacks on Hamas in Gaza despite constructive talks on a possible prisoner exchange.

Takeaways

• 😢 Three US troops were killed and 34 injured in a drone attack on an American base on the Syria-Jordan border
• 😠 President Biden says the strike was carried out by Iran-backed militant groups and that those responsible would be held accountable
• ⚔️ A British warship, the HMS Diamond, shot down a drone targeting it launched by Houthi fighters in Yemen, who are also backed by Iran
• 🤝 The US has a wide network of bases across the Middle East region which have faced dozens of attacks in recent months
• 👎 This attack killed American personnel for the first time, increasing pressure on Biden to retaliate strongly
• 🤔 Biden met with military and intelligence leaders about potential responses, which could range from strikes on the attackers to Iran itself
• 😟 This escalation comes amid sensitive ceasefire talks over the Israel-Gaza conflict which has fueled regional tensions
• 🚨 Chief International Correspondent: Escalating the confrontation with Iran risks an even more dangerous spiral
• 🙏 Ceasefire talks showed some positive signs but gaps remain between Israel and Hamas on issues like prisoner exchanges
• 💥 Israel is continuing intense attacks on Gaza causing growing hardship, while ceasefire remains absent from Biden and Israel's agenda

Q & A

Where was the drone attack that killed 3 US troops?

The drone attack was on an American base called Tower 22 on the border between Syria and Jordan.

Which militant groups does the US believe carried out the attack?

President Biden says the attack was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

What other incident happened involving Iran's proxies?

A British warship, the HMS Diamond, shot down a drone targeting it. The drone was launched by Houthi fighters from Yemen, who are also backed by Iran.

How has Iran built up a network of proxies in the region?

Over years, Iran has cultivated a wide network of allies and proxies operating across the Middle East that oppose the US and Israel. They are known as the 'axis of resistance'.

What pressure is Biden under to respond?

There is huge pressure on Biden to respond, particularly in an election year. He has said the US will retaliate at a time and place of its choosing.

What are Biden's options for retaliation?

The Pentagon likely offered a menu of options, from striking the group that launched the drone to attacks on Iran itself. Biden wants to avoid direct confrontation with Iran.

How does the Gaza conflict relate to the drone attack?

The Gaza war has left the whole Middle East more dangerous. But the US wants to avoid escalating tensions amid efforts for a Gaza ceasefire.

What talks are underway that offer hope?

Talks between Israel, Egypt, Qatar and the US over a ceasefire and prisoner exchange are described as constructive, though gaps remain.

Why can retaliation risk further escalation?

Because past US strikes on Iran's assets didn't stop attacks. Retaliation may fail to deter Iran and its proxies, only intensifying the crisis.

What's key to stopping the attacks?

A ceasefire in Gaza is seen as the only thing that can truly stop the attacks. But that has not been a priority for the US or Israel yet.