Here’s How An Iranian-Backed Militia’s Drone Got Past US Defenses And Killed Three US Service Members

The drone that crashed into a base in Jordan and killed three U.S. service members evaded defenses by trailing a U.S.-operated drone that was returning to the base at the same time, Politico reported Monday, citing a Department of Defense (DOD) official.

The explosive-laden drone originated from somewhere in Iraq and exploded near the living quarters of Jordan’s Tower 22 base near the Syrian border, killing three U.S. troops and injuring at least 34, mostly reservists. About 90 minutes later, an enemy drone targeted the al-Tanf Garrison nearby in Syria, according to the DOD official and another U.S. official, Politico reported. But a U.S. counter-drone unmanned aerial system, Raytheon’s Coyote, shot it down, the DOD official said.

Tower 22 and the al-Tanf garrison are just miles apart. U.S. drones sometimes defend both, the U.S. official said, according to Politico.