Multiple members of the Arizona National Guard were among those injured in an aerial drone attack Sunday in northeast Jordan that left three U.S. troops dead, according to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
The Arizona National Guard 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment "Bushmasters" were identified to be in the area during the Jan. 28 unmanned aerial drone attack near the Syria border, said the department, which manages the Arizona Guard.
Multiple service members were identified as being injured, with three medically evacuated for further care who are expected to recover, DEMA said.
The 158th Infantry Regiment is based in Phoenix, with companies in Tucson, Florence, Prescott and Buckeye, according to the state adjutant general's 2023 annual report.
Out of respect for the service member’s families, and in accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the injured service members will be withheld.
“We are in contact with the Arizona Battalion Commander in the area of operations,” Major General Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard Adjutant General, said. “Our priority is to the soldiers and their families. What impacts them, impacts us all. We continue to gather information, please keep them in your prayers.”
In September, more than 350 service members of the 1-158th Bushmasters deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield serving U.S. Forces and our Allies throughout various countries in the Central Command area of responsibility, for about one year.
The unit's role while on deployment is to provide law and order and personal security capabilities.
“We can confirm that our Bushmasters are accounted for and are continuing mission,” said Lt. Col. Joseph L. Mayeaux, 1-158th Battalion Commander. “The Bushmasters performed superbly, doing exactly what they were trained to do, and we can all be extremely proud.”
"I am heartbroken to hear reports of the Arizona National Guardsmen wounded in action during the attack in Jordan," Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a message on the social-media platform X. "I’m actively monitoring the situation and my administration is in contact with AZ NG Adjutant General Muehlenbeck. We are ready to offer support for the Guardsmen and their families, and will be prepared to take action as the situation develops."
President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militias for the attack, though Iran on Monday denied it was behind the strike.
The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga., and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga.
The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade in Fort Moore, Georgia.
Aside from the soldiers killed, the Pentagon said more than 40 troops were wounded in the attack, most with cuts, bruises, brain injuries and similar wounds. Eight were medically evacuated, including three who were going to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The other five, who suffered minor brain injuries, were expected to return to duty.
