Three US troops killed and 25 injured in drone strike by Iranian-backed militia in Jordan

Three US service members were killed and more than two dozen wounded in an unmanned drone attack on a military outpost in Jordan, according to US Central Command.

President Joe Biden said the strike on Tower 22 near the Syrian border had been carried out by an Iranian-backed militia, and marked a significant escalation in the growing conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Biden said US forces wouldhold those responsible to account “at a time and in a manner of our choosing”, as facts about the attack were still being gathered.

“Today, America’s heart is heavy,” the president said in a statement.

“We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

“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.”

This satellite photo shows a military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan, where three American troops were killed and ‘many' were wounded on Sunday

US Central Command initially said 25 troops were also injured in the strike, which took place early on Sunday morning.

A US official later told Reuters that at least 34 service members were being evaluated for possible traumatic brain injury.

Several of the wounded were transported to separate military facilities for care.

The identities of the deceased are being withheld for 24 hours until their next of kin can be notified.

Tower 22 is situated in northeastern Jordan across the border from the Al-Tanf garrison in Syria, where US forces have teamed up with local forces to