WSJ reveals details of Iranian attack in Jordan that killed US soldiers

The Iranian ballistic missile attack on a Jordanian air base that killed two US servicemembers struck prefabricated housing units where troops lived and slept, according to US officials familiar with the matter, Report informs via The Wall Street Journal.

The attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base was one of three separate missile strikes on the base in 24 hours last week, which killed two soldiers from Army air and missile defense units, according to the officials. The remains of a third person have been found at the location and are being examined.

That three missiles were able to slip through US air defenses points to the challenges in protecting the estimated 50,000 troops stationed in the region against an Iranian military that is still equipped with a substantial number of ballistic missiles and drones.

During the first of the three missile attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, debris from the missile strike hit the base's gym, US officials said. A siren signaling the incoming attack sounded in time for troops to try to shelter in the bunkers. Some were wounded on the way to the bunker, but none were killed, officials said.

Hours later, sirens sounded again, sending troops heading toward the bunkers. This time, an Iranian missile hit an empty aircraft hangar, officials said.

The third missile strike hit containerized housing units, where soldiers had been sleeping, the officials said. The sirens sounded for a third time, but not everyone made it to the bunkers.

The Pentagon identified the two air defenders who were killed as First Lt. Tyler J. Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas. A third servicemember, who hasn't been identified, is missing.

It isn't clear whether the soldiers who died were inside the housing units or if they got caught outside on their way to shelter.

Iran's deadly strike was one of a series of attacks Iran has directed in recent days at bases in Jordan that are being used by US personnel. It followed the Trump administration's push to broaden the array of targets in Iran, including bridges and other infrastructure, as diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz hit an impasse.

"A missile got through. We shot down almost all the missiles. One leaked through, hit the wrong place, and tragically, it's heartbreaking," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this weekend when asked by reporters about the attack on Jordan.