Iranian Nationals Charged In Fatal Drone Attack On U.S. Soldiers

Two Iranian men have been indicted over their roles in a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. Army reservists in Jordan.

The January attack involved sensitive U.S. technology and heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iranian-backed forces.

On January 28, a fatal strike by a drone killed three U.S. service members and wounded 47 others at a military base near Jordan's borders with Syria and Iraq. The base, identified as Tower 22, became a scene of chaos during the incident.

The Individuals Behind the Technology Transfer

Mohammad Mahdi Sadeghi, an Iranian American, and Mohammad Abedini, were charged with violating U.S. export controls. Sadeghi, employed by a semiconductor company in Massachusetts, was arrested there, while Abedini was apprehended in Italy.

The technology critical to the drone's navigation system traced back to Abedini’s company in Iran, allegedly reached them via Sadeghi’s illicit activities. Abedini's firm, known to develop drone navigation systems, reportedly has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The FBI's investigation into the drone revealed that its navigation system incorporated U.S. technology, confirming suspicions about the technology's illegal export and its misuse in the strike.

Profiles of the Fallen Soldiers

The attack claimed the lives of Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett.

All were Georgia residents and served with the 718th Engineer Company, stationed in Jordan as part of Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State.

This tragedy underscored the risks of advanced U.S. technology falling into the wrong hands.

"We often cite hypothetical risk when we talk about the dangers of American technology getting into dangerous hands," remarked U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy, "Unfortunately, in this situation, we are not speculating."

Jodi Cohen, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office, highlighted the betrayal involved, noting Sadeghi "abandoned this country that took him in to help strengthen the arsenal of weapons" used against U.S. troops.

Broader Implications of the Attack

The U.S. attributed the attack to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia, which increased tensions in the region. Subsequently, the U.S. carried out retaliatory strikes against IRGC Quds Force targets in Iraq and Syria.

The Biden administration has cited U.S. support for Israel during the Israel-Hamas war as a factor in the escalation of attacks on U.S. forces. The timing of the drone appearing at the base coincided with an expected U.S. drone, leading to confusion and a tragic error.

In response to the ongoing threats and to safeguard U.S. interests and personnel, the U.S. has intensified its military and diplomatic efforts in the region, aiming to prevent further loss of life and to curb the illegal flow of sensitive technology.