Reasons for US troops in Jordan: Jordan drone strike
The Recent Drone Strike in Jordan: Why are American Forces There?
The recent drone strike against U.S. forces in Jordan has sparked curiosity about the presence of American troops in the Middle Eastern country and the extent of their deployment.
The Attack:
The Iraqi militia drone strike on Sunday targeted a lesser-known Army base called Tower 22, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. service members and injuring at least 40 others.
U.S. Forces in Jordan:
So, what exactly are U.S. forces doing in Jordan? One of the primary reasons for their presence is to assist the Jordanian Defense Network in repelling the Islamic State. The U.S. Central Command has confirmed that there are 350 Army and Air Force personnel deployed to the base, performing crucial support functions. In total, there are approximately 3,000 troops stationed in Jordan. Additionally, there are 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, all working towards combating ISIS.
Jordan as a Strategic Base:
Jordan serves as a strategic base for the U.S. in the Middle East due to its proximity to key regional allies and adversaries, including Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Tower 22: A Key Military Outpost:
Tower 22 is a U.S. military base and outpost located in northeastern Jordan near the borders of Syria and Iraq. It is strategically positioned close to the al Tanf garrison in Syria. This outpost allows U.S. forces to discreetly enter and exit Syria. Since 2015, American troops have been stationed at Tower 22.
U.S. Response:
President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have pledged to respond to the attack on Tower 22. However, specific details regarding the counterattack remain scarce. The U.S. has two options: launching strikes against militant bases and commanders allied with Iran or refraining from immediate retaliation to avoid escalating tensions in the region.
Call for Action:
Some current and former defense leaders are urging President Biden to take more decisive action against Iran. They propose a five-seven-day campaign plan involving continuous strikes on proxy targets in Syria and Yemen. However, the U.S. government has emphasized its desire to avoid war with Iran.
A Series of Attacks:
This weekend’s attack was just one of approximately 160 other attacks targeting U.S. forces in the region. Syria witnessed nearly 100 attacks, Iraq experienced 66, and the strike on Sunday marked the first attack in Jordan.
Source: The Washington Examiner
What are the objectives and benefits of joint military exercises conducted between the U.S. and Jordan?
There are around 3,000 U.S. troops stationed in Jordan, including special forces, advisors, and trainers.
Counterterrorism Cooperation:
The presence of U.S. forces in Jordan is part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism in the region. Jordan has been a key ally of the United States in the fight against extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The country has faced numerous security challenges due to its proximity to conflict zones, such as Syria and Iraq. As a result, the U.S. has provided military assistance and training to enhance Jordan’s capabilities in counterterrorism operations.
Joint Military Exercises:
In addition to counterterrorism efforts, the U.S. and Jordan regularly conduct joint military exercises. These exercises focus on enhancing interoperability and building strong defense cooperation between the two countries. Through these exercises, U.S. forces work closely with Jordanian counterparts to develop and improve tactical skills, share intelligence, and strengthen regional security.
Regional Stability:
Another key reason for the presence of American forces in Jordan is to contribute to regional stability. Jordan has been a vital anchor of stability in the Middle East, operating as a buffer zone between several conflict-prone countries. By maintaining a strong military presence in Jordan, the U.S. aims to support stability in the region and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
Partnership with Jordan:
The partnership between the U.S. and Jordan extends beyond military cooperation. The two countries have a long-standing relationship built on mutual interests and shared values. The U.S. provides significant economic and humanitarian assistance to Jordan, which has been crucial in helping the country manage the socio-economic impact of hosting a large number of refugees.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite the overall positive aspects of the U.S. presence in Jordan, there have been challenges and controversies. The drone strike on U.S. forces highlights the ongoing threat that American troops face in the region. It also raises concerns about the potential for further attacks and the need for enhanced security measures.
Moreover, the presence of foreign troops can be a sensitive issue for the host country. While Jordan has benefited from the military assistance of the U.S., it must also navigate the delicate balance between cooperating with a superpower and maintaining its sovereignty and public opinion. Striking this balance requires careful negotiations and ongoing dialogue between the two nations.
The Future of U.S. Forces in Jordan:
Given the recent attack, it is likely that the U.S. will review its security protocols and assess the risks faced by its forces in Jordan. However, the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Jordan and the shared commitment to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts suggest that the American presence in the country will continue.
The drone strike in Jordan has served as a reminder of the complex security challenges in the Middle East and the crucial role played by the U.S. forces in supporting regional stability and combatting terrorism. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Jordan to ensure the safety and security of American personnel and to maintain the delicate balance of interests in the region.
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