3 GA Soldiers Killed In Jordan Drone Strike, Feds Say

GEORGIA — Three Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike over the weekend in Jordan have all been identified as Georgia residents.

Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, all died while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. Department of Defense said Monday.

A "one-way unmanned aerial system impacted their container housing units," killing the trio, defense officials said. The strike is being investigated.

Rivers, Sanders and Moffett were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, in Fort Moore, defense officials said.

The deadly strike happened at a remote military outpost near the Syrian border, according to the New York Times. Another 34 service members were wounded in the strike, which was reportedly carried out by "radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," according to the Times, citing the Biden Administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden in a statement Sunday said his administration is planning to hold accountable those responsible for the fatal drone strike.

"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," Biden said in the statement.

"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."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said he was outraged by the deadly attack. He noted American troops were working near the border "for the lasting defeat of ISIS."

"These brave Americans and their families are in my prayers, and the entire Department of Defense mourns their loss," Austin said. "Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on U.S. forces, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing. The president and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops and our interests.