An Iranian ballistic missile that killed two US service members at a Jordanian air base last week struck prefabricated housing units where troops were sleeping, according to US officials, as three separate attacks on the base in 24 hours exposed challenges in protecting American forces in the region.
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The attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base was one of three missile strikes on the base last week, which killed two soldiers from Army air and missile defense units, officials told The Wall Street Journal. The remains of a third service member have been found and were identified today.
The Pentagon identified the two air defenders killed as First Lt. Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas. The third service member identified today was 30-year-old Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Missiles slipped through air defenses
That three missiles were able to penetrate US air defenses highlights the challenges of protecting the estimated 50,000 US troops stationed in the region against Iran's substantial ballistic missile and drone arsenal.
During the first missile attack, debris hit the base's gym. A siren sounded in time for troops to seek shelter in bunkers, though some were wounded on the way. Hours later, a second strike hit an empty aircraft hangar. The third missile struck the containerised housing units where soldiers were sleeping.
