PHOENIX – The Arizona National Guard 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Bushmasters, were identified to be in the area during the January 28th unmanned aerial drone attack in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border.
There have been no reported Arizona National Guard deaths. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) received three U.S. servicemembers who were injured in the drone attack. One of the injured servicemembers is reported in critical condition, however, all three are reported to be stable. Upon their arrival to LRMC, and after further examination by the LRMC Trauma Team, a determination will be made by LRMC medical staff if any of the injured servicemembers will require evacuation back to the U.S. for further treatment.
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 2023, 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 approximately one year. Their role while in theater 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.”
White House and U.S. Central Command officials released the attack occurred at the logistics support base located at Tower 22 of the Jordanian Defense Network. There are approximately 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel deployed to the base, conducting a number of key support functions, including support to the coalition for the lasting defeat of ISIS.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the Arizona National Guardsmen wounded in action during the attack in Jordan,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “I am actively monitoring the situation and my administration is in close contact with AZ NG Adjutant General Muehlenbeck. We standby and are ready to offer support for the Guardsmen and their families. I want to thank every member of the National Guard serving at home and abroad for their bravery and sacrifice, and their dedication to keeping Arizona families safe.”
The National Guard is the primary combat reserve to the Army and Air Force, having deployed hundreds of thousands of service members across the world. Trained to the same standard as their active-duty counterparts, the Arizona National Guard answers the call in support of a unified goal, actively fighting for preservation of the American principles and our nation’s security.
