Four days have passed since the tragic incident in Jordan where a drone, in a shocking breach of security, killed three US Army soldiers and wounded over 40 others. The drone, which exploited the confusion created by its simultaneous approach with an American drone, delivered a devastating blow to the US military outpost, Tower 22. Yet, in the aftermath of this heinous act, President Biden’s response—or lack thereof—has been glaringly absent.
The attack, which occurred on a seemingly peaceful Sunday, has escalated tensions in the Middle East, a region already teetering on the edge of broader conflict. The victims, Sgt. William Rivers, Specialist Kennedy Sanders, and Specialist Breonna Moffett, served in the 718th Engineer Company, based out of Fort Moore, Georgia. Their deaths are not just a loss to their families but to the nation, representing a direct challenge to American resolve.
In the face of this adversity, President Biden’s silence is deafening. His inaction speaks volumes, underscoring a perceived weakness that adversaries are keen to exploit. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of decisive leadership, especially when American lives are lost on foreign soil.
The consensus among officials points to an Iran-backed militia group as the culprits behind this lethal attack. This isn’t the first time Iranian proxies have targeted American forces, but the scale and audacity of this operation are unprecedented in recent times. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has linked the attack to Kataib Hezbollah, highlighting the ongoing threat these groups pose to US personnel and interests in the region.
Yet, as we stand at a critical juncture, the Biden administration’s tepid response to such provocations is troubling. The time for diplomacy and indecision is over. Our adversaries perceive inaction as weakness, emboldening them further. The administration must recognize that the safety of our servicemen and women, and the deterrence of future attacks, require a strong, unambiguous response.
Republicans in Congress have voiced their frustration, calling for direct action against Iran and its proxies. The sentiment is clear: only a decisive and powerful retaliation will send the message that the United States will not tolerate attacks on its forces. It’s a stance that prioritizes the safety of American soldiers and the nation’s strategic interests in a volatile region.
As the Biden administration deliberates its next steps, it must consider the broader implications of its actions—or inactions. The memory of Sgt. Rivers, Specialist Sanders, and Specialist Moffett, and the sacrifice of over 40 wounded in the attack, demand nothing less than a firm and resolute response. It’s time for President Biden to demonstrate the leadership this moment requires, ensuring that such a tragedy is met not with silence, but with the full force of American resolve.
Sgt. William J. Rivers, 28
Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24
Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23
