The American website Intercept published an investigation stating that the US Base 22 in Jordan, where three American soldiers were killed last month, is not just a “logistics support base” as described by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon).
Ken Klippenstein, an investigative reporter based in Washington, revealed that what the Pentagon did not mention is that “Base 22” is also a drone base used for long-range reconnaissance operations to target armed groups in Syria and Iraq. It also serves as a hub for special operations processing and a primary location for medical evacuation helicopters.
Klippenstein added that the base’s focus has shifted to Iran-supported militia groups after initially targeting the Islamic State, as stated by the Pentagon.
A pilot from the Air Force, whose unit recently deployed to the base, told Intercept: “Describing Base 22 as a logistics support base is pure nonsense because logistics are only a small part of the mission, which involves delivering food and fuel weekly to the… The main purpose of the base is to operate drones for spying on armed groups in Iraq and Syria for targeting purposes, and the main goal it has witnessed is killing targets.”
The pilot added that Base 22 provides targeted intelligence about the assets of other air force units stationed in other bases in Jordan, such as Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, for use in strikes.
However, Intercept’s report, following interviews with defense sources and experts, indicated that there is an emerging view of “Base 22” as a key base that can support combat with groups allied with Iran, despite President Biden’s administration’s insistence on not seeking war with Tehran. The shift in its mission, from fighting the Islamic State to combating Iran-affiliated groups, has not been acknowledged by the Pentagon, which still maintains that this is part of their war on the Islamic State.
It is worth noting that the US Base 22 in Jordan was attacked by a drone on January 28 last year, leading to the killing of three American soldiers and injuring dozens more. The White House then stated that the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” was behind the attack.
