The National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Coordinator, John Kirby, stated that the United States holds the Iraqi Islamic Resistance responsible for the deaths of three American service members in Jordan. The claim was reported by RIA News. (RIA News)
Kirby characterized the Jordan attack as a coordinated effort, saying, “We believe the attack in Jordan was planned, resourced and carried out by an umbrella group called the Iraqi Islamic Resistance.” The statement underscored an assessment that a broader network was involved rather than a single actor. (RIA News)
In the days that followed, the Pentagon announced it would take additional measures in response. Reports from a channel source described recent air defense activity conducted by drones at a U.S. military base in Jordan. The Tower 22 facility, situated in the northwestern part of the country, had not previously been targeted, and observers noted that its air defenses did not deter the drone activity as effectively as defenses at other bases in the region. The source declined to identify the specific air defense systems in use, indicating they are chiefly designed to counter hostile drones. (RIA News)
Official figures from the U.S. Department of Defense indicate that approximately 350 American military personnel are stationed at Tower 22. The base’s role and readiness levels became a focal point in discussions about potential defensive upgrades and strategic posture in the region. (RIA News)
Earlier statements from the United States linked the broader threat landscape in the Red Sea to Iran, with considerations of how Iranian-backed elements could influence or enable Houthi operations against merchant shipping. The evolving narrative emphasized a multi-layered security approach that weighs state and non-state actors across the region. (RIA News)
Analysts note that the Jordan incident appears to fit a pattern of cross-border operational activity involving coordinated networks rather than isolated actions. The emphasis on an umbrella group suggests a deliberate attempt to complicate attribution and response, while also signaling a proactive American stance in defending personnel and facilities abroad. (RIA News)
Security experts point to the tactical implications for U.S. bases in the Middle East, including surveillance, drone defense enhancements, and the need for robust supply chains to sustain rapid responses. The situation highlights how U.S. policymakers balance responses that deter further aggression with the risk of escalation in a volatile regional environment. (RIA News)
As investigations continue, officials stress the importance of verified intelligence and careful coordination with regional partners to ensure that subsequent steps are measured and effective. The dialogue between Washington and allied capitals remains focused on preventing escalation while preserving the safety of personnel and critical infrastructure. (RIA News)