Joe Biden Faces Republican Wrath After US Troops Killed

President Joe Biden has been criticized by Republicans for what they say is his "appeasement" of Iran and its proxies following the deaths of three U.S. troops in Jordan.

Three military personnel were killed and at least 34 more injured by a drone strike near the Syrian border in northeastern Jordan, officials said on Sunday.

Biden blamed Iran-backed militant groups for the strike, which marked the first U.S. troops killed in the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. While speaking at a Baptist church's banquet hall in South Carolina on Sunday, Biden said that the U.S. "shall respond" to the attack.

"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," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "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."

Biden added: "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."

Since then, Biden has faced blame from Republicans reacting to the strike on X, formerly Twitter.

Newsweek contacted a representative for Biden by email to comment on this story.

When reached by Newsweek for comment on Sunday afternoon, the Department of Defense said via email: "As a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with DoD policy, the identities of the servicemembers will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified."

Florida Representative Byron Donalds shared a Fox News segment about the attack and wrote: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of three American servicemen in Jordan. May their memories be a blessing.

"This never should have happened.

"Biden's appeasement strategy towards Iran & it's proxies DOES NOT WORK.

"Peace through strength ensures a safer world for all."

Another Florida Republican, Brian Mast wrote: "After Joe Biden neglected to stop 150+ attacks launched on the American troops since October 7, Iranian-backed forces killed three and wounded 25 American troops in Jordan today.

"Joe Biden and his weakness put Americans in DANGER."

Former California Governor candidate Caitlyn Jenner wrote: "My heart breaks for the families of the 3 US service members we lost today, the wounded, the families of the wounded, and I fume with anger at the attack on our American military installation in Jordan. These attacks only continue under our weak 'leader' Biden."

U.S. troops have been stationed in the Middle East to support Israel since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack, killing some 1,200 Israelis and taking around 250 people hostage. Israel responded by cutting off critical supplies and electricity to Gaza, declaring war against Hamas.

In the months since the war began, more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Associated Press reports, citing health officials in Gaza.

Because of Biden's support of Israel, Iran-backed groups have targeted U.S. troops in the Middle East with regular attacks.

Since mid-November, the Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen have launched exploding drones and missiles at vessels in the Red Sea. The U.S. has responded by carrying out a series of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.