Iraq calls for regional de-escalation following fatal drone attack on US troops in Jordan
The Iraqi government condemned the recent drone attack on Tower 22, a logistics base near the Jordan-Syria border, which resulted in the death of three US military personnel and injuries to 34 others.
Government Spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi expressed Iraq’s commitment to ending the escalating violence in the region and proposed collaboration to establish fundamental rules preventing further repercussions.
This incident marks the highest number of American casualties in a single event since October, when pro-Iran groups intensified their attacks against US and anti-jihadist coalition forces. US President Joe Biden vowed to hold those responsible to account, blaming “radical Iran-backed militant groups” for the attack.
Since mid-October, there have been over 150 drone or rocket attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-linked armed groups opposing US support for Israel, has claimed responsibility for many of these attacks.
Despite ongoing strikes by US forces targeting pro-Iran militants in retaliation, the Iraqi government has pushed for an end to the anti-jihadist coalition’s presence on its territory. Talks with US officials were initiated on Saturday, with the Iraqi foreign ministry emphasizing the need for regional de-escalation and urging patience for ongoing negotiations.
Harakat al-Nujaba, an armed faction of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, further escalated tensions by stating that the United States should “learn the lesson and leave today,” warning of a heavy price for each passing day.
As the situation remains volatile, Iraq underscores the urgent importance of regional de-escalation and calls for a cessation of violence, emphasizing the necessity of allowing diplomatic negotiations to unfold.
