Jordanian-Syrian border – OWA UAV targeting US base

A one-way drone attack (OWA) UAV was launched on the 28 January 2024 against Tower 22 Patrol and Operations Base in the North-East of Jordan. Three US servicemen were subsequently killed, and over 40 injured.

Preliminary reports state, the UAV attack coincided with the return of a US drone. Whereby, they potentially mistook the approaching UAV for their own.

Whether the attack was a deliberate escalation is unclear, However, it represents a major increase in tensions in the Middle East. Jordan condemns the attack on the US base, reporting that it is strengthening its border defences in collaboration with the US.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq have since claimed responsibility for the attack, in addition to a further four attacks on military bases in Syria (OverSite event IDs 3783, 3785 and 3788).

Debris from the UAV is said to contain evidence of involvement of the Kataib Hezbollah who, according to the National Counterrorism Center, are financed, trained and receive logistical support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Kataib Hezbollah have since reported they intend to suspend attacks on US forces.

• Published by Meaghan

OverSite event ID: 3781