'THIS IS PERSONAL': US service members killed in Jordan drone strike, DOD says

Fox News

28 Jan 202404:48

Summary

TLDRIn a recent interview, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence and a Fox News contributor, discusses the significant escalation in tensions due to attacks on American forces. Highlighting the importance of a strong and targeted response, Kellogg echoes President Trump's stance that attacking Americans warrants severe repercussions. He advocates for striking hard against Iranian targets, emphasizing the necessity of changing the normalization of hostile acts in the Middle East. Kellogg stresses the importance of solidarity among allies and the potential implications of the U.S. response on global perceptions, especially from adversaries like China and Russia.

Takeaways

😳 This is a very significant and concerning turn of events after 3 Americans were killed
😠 The attackers' lives are forfeit according to President Trump's past statements
😤 The attacks were expected given the normalization of activities in the region
😡 Iran-backed groups are responsible for many attacks on US forces
😠 The Biden administration can't pull punches anymore and has to respond strongly
🔨 A hard strike is needed against Iranian targets beyond tit-for-tat
💥 The Pentagon will provide options for striking facilities, troops, etc.
😤 Normalization led to accepting attacks, so changing the dynamic is hard now
🇺🇸 This is a chance for Biden to make a strong statement watched by allies and adversaries
👀 China is watching the US response to gauge further aggression

Q & A

What precipitated this escalation of events?
-The killing of 3 American service members by an Iranian drone attack.
Who does General Kellogg believe is responsible for the attack?
-General Kellogg believes Iran is responsible, either directly or through proxies like Hezbollah.
What options does the US have for responding to the attack?
-According to General Kellogg, the US could launch strikes against Iranian military facilities, leadership, or drone manufacturing sites.
What is the concern around the US's past responses?
-General Kellogg is concerned the US has normalized attacks in the region by not responding forcefully enough in the past.
Why does the response need to be significant?
-To reset expectations and deter future attacks by clearly showing the US will retaliate against any attack on its forces.
What role do US allies play?
-The US is taking the lead but will likely coordinate with allies like France, the UK, and Italy.
How are China and other adversaries viewing the situation?
-They are watching the US response closely to gauge resolve and whether aggression will be tolerated.
What message can the US send with its response?
-The US can demonstrate it will not accept attacks on its troops and will retaliate disproportionately.
What precedent does this set?
-The US response will likely shape expectations around retaliation for any future attacks in the region.
What are the risks of inaction?
-According to General Kellogg, further aggression and attacks if the response is seen as weak.

Outlines

00:00

😡Analyst Provides Overview of Recent Attack Killing U.S. Troops in Syria

General Kellogg discusses the recent attack and deaths of 3 U.S. troops in Syria, calling it a significant escalation. He says the U.S. expected this after increased attacks in the Middle East. He believes the Biden administration must now respond strongly against Iran, which he sees as responsible.

😤Analyst Calls for Strong Military Response and Action Against Iran

General Kellogg strongly advocates for a tough U.S. military response and escalation against Iran, saying they cannot show weakness. He suggests striking hard at Iranian targets and personnel in response to the killing of American troops.

🤔Analyst Discusses U.S. Allies and Adversaries Watching For Response

General Kellogg says the U.S. response will be watched closely by allies and adversaries. He believes a strong U.S. response is needed to avoid further aggression from Iran and others. He wants allies on board but says the U.S. should lead.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡escalation

Escalation refers to increasing the intensity of a conflict or confrontation. In the context of the video, the speaker argues that the U.S. needs to escalate its response to the recent attack that killed American troops. This means responding with greater force or severity than the initial attack.

💡retaliation

Retaliation means responding to an attack or harm with a counterattack. The speaker argues the U.S. needs to retaliate against Iran for the attack on American troops. This means launching strikes or attacks on Iranian targets or personnel.

💡normalization

Normalization refers to accepting or legitimizing certain behaviors or actions as normal. The speaker argues previous normalization of attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East emboldened adversaries like Iran. Normalization needs to end with a strong U.S. response.

💡deterrence

Deterrence means discouraging or preventing hostile action through threats of retaliation. The speaker argues a strong U.S. response is needed to deter further aggression from Iran and other adversaries watching how the U.S. responds.

💡adversaries

Adversaries refer to enemies or opponents, especially in a conflict. The speaker mentions adversaries like Iran, China, and Hezbollah who oppose U.S. interests and have been emboldened by lack of U.S. deterrence.

💡strikes

Strikes refer to military attacks on targets. The speaker suggests the U.S. needs to conduct strikes on Iranian military targets and personnel in retaliation for killing American troops.

💡allies

Allies are nations united by treaty, interests or purpose. The speaker mentions needing to bring allies on board for the U.S. response, like the British, French and Italians.

💡leadership

Leadership refers to the position of leading a group or nation. The speaker argues it's a chance for President Biden to demonstrate U.S. leadership with a strong response to the attack.

💡interests

Interests refer to the goals, desires or concerns of a nation. The speaker frames responding to the attack as vital to protecting American interests against adversaries.

💡force

Force refers to military strength or power. The speaker argues the U.S. needs to use decisive force in responding to the attack to deter further aggression.

Highlights

This is very, very significant with three dead Americans killed by drones.

If you attack an American your life is forfeit, according to President Trump.

Anyone who did not see this attack coming is a fool in national security.

Normalization of attacks on U.S. forces made this escalation inevitable.

Biden's administration has pulled its punches, now his hand is forced.

Must strike Iran hard in response, more than tit-for-tat.

Could target Iranian personnel, facilities, drones, or naval bases.

If they don't strike hard, they are making a big mistake.

Allies should join U.S. response, but this is an American issue.

China and Russia watching U.S. response closely.

Need strong response or risk further aggression.

Chance for Biden to make strong statement to world.

Adversaries watching if U.S. accepts attacks as normal.

Weak response risks emboldening enemies.

Must show attacks have consequences.