By: Adam Beam 1/29/2024
The soldiers killed in a drone strike on a US military outpost have now been identified, according to the Department of Defense on Monday.
The soldiers were Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. The three were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company.
The report on Monday indicates that the drone responsible for the attack may have been confused for a U.S. drone returning to the base in Jordan. A U.S. drone was returning to Tower 22 at the same time the enemy drone was approaching for the attack.
President Biden said, "We shall respond," while holding a moment of silence at the Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sunday. The President is blaming Iranian-backed militia groups for the attack.
Later on Sunday, in an official statement from the White House, the President wrote, "The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation. Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing."
The three soldiers killed are the first U.S. casualties since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Attached below is President Biden's full statement on the attack:
Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed—and many wounded—during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border. While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.
Jill and I join the families and friends of our fallen—and Americans across the country—in grieving the loss of these warriors in this despicable and wholly unjust attack. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery. Unflinching in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country— risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. It is a fight we will not cease.
The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation. Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.