Tower 22: The Unseen Battlefield
Tower 22, a military outpost in Jordan, has recently been thrust into the global spotlight following a drone attack that resulted in the death of three US servicemembers and injuries to several others.
It's located in Rukban, Rwaished District, Jordan, Tower 22 is a military outpost that hosts American engineering, aviation, logistics, and security personnel.
It lies 20 kilometers from the Al-Tanf garrison in Syria, where US and local forces collaborate in combating the Islamic State. At the time of the attack, there were about 350 personnel from the US Army and Air Force at Tower 22.
The Attack
On January 28, 2024, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia group, launched a drone attack on Tower 22. This marked the first time US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the beginning of the Gaza war. The drones struck the vicinity of the base’s living quarters, killing three American service personnel who were asleep in tents at the time.
At least 25 others were injured in the attack, eight of whom had to be medically evacuated. A US official said at least 34 personnel underwent evaluations for possible traumatic brain injury.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the attack, U.S. officials assessed that one of several Iranian-supported groups had launched the attack, although it did not specifically identify the precise group responsible.
Later in the day, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed factions, claimed that it had launched attacks on three military bases, including one on the Jordan-Syria border.
Conclusion
The attack on Tower 22 marks a significant escalation in the growing conflict in the Middle East. It serves as a stark reminder of the unseen battlefields and the dangers that service members face, even when stationed at seemingly secure outposts. As investigations continue and responses are formulated, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution and justice for the fallen.
