An Iranian ballistic missile that killed two US service members at a Jordanian air base last week struck prefabricated housing units where troops were sleeping, according to US officials, as three separate attacks on the base in 24 hours exposed challenges in protecting American forces in the region.The attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base was one of three missile strikes on the base last week, which killed two soldiers from Army air and missile defense units, officials told The Wall Street Journal. The remains of a third service member have been found and were identified today.The Pentagon identified the two air defenders killed as First Lt. Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas. The third service member identified today was 30-year-old Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Missiles slipped through air defenses
That three missiles were able to penetrate US air defenses highlights the challenges of protecting the estimated 50,000 US troops stationed in the region against Iran’s substantial ballistic missile and drone arsenal.During the first missile attack, debris hit the base’s gym. A siren sounded in time for troops to seek shelter in bunkers, though some were wounded on the way. Hours later, a second strike hit an empty aircraft hangar. The third missile struck the containerised housing units where soldiers were sleeping.The American casualties have stirred debate in the US. While Iran has made repeated efforts with missiles and drones to hit the crowded base, no evidence has been released by US officials that shows Iran specifically targeted the servicemembers’ quarters, known as “containerised housing units”.
Trump vows retaliation
US President Donald Trump threatened retaliation for the strikes on social media. “Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!” Trump wrote. Shortly after, the US military launched a new round of strikes intended to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a social-media post that while nearly 100 service members have been deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 96 per cent have returned to duty. “The vast majority of injuries experienced were minor concussions,” he said. Seventeen service members have been killed due to hostile actions or accidents since the war began, with an 18th missing.“A missile got through. We shot down almost all the missiles. One leaked through, hit the wrong place, and tragically, and it’s heartbreaking,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said when asked by reporters about the attack on Jordan.
Iran’s supreme leader warns of ‘unforgettable lessons’
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the war began, warned in a statement of “unforgettable lessons” if the US continues to strike his country.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was still open to negotiations with Iran, but it must abide by its commitments. “We’re always open to diplomacy. It has to be real,” he said.Iran also struck King Faisal Air Base last week, where US forces are based, and attacked a separate airfield where several US Army Black Hawk helicopters were damaged, the Journal previously reported.