President Joe Biden asserted on Thursday during the initial 2024 presidential debate that he is the sole president of this century who has not experienced any American troop fatalities under his leadership.
Biden said:
“The truth is, I’m the only president this century that doesn’t have any this – this decade, that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world, like he did.”
The statement is inaccurate. Thirteen American troops lost their lives in August 2021 during the Afghanistan withdrawal ordered by President Biden. Furthermore, three American soldiers were killed in Jordan in January 2024 after being attacked by militia groups supported by Iran.
A Department of Defense statement issued on January 29, 2024 stated:
“Three U.S. soldiers were killed yesterday in Jordan, while more than 40 other service members were injured following an uncrewed aerial system attack at a military base near the Syrian border. Those service members were in Jordan to support Operation Inherent Resolve, which is the U.S. and coalition mission to ensure the defeat of ISIS.”
Furthermore, two Navy SEALs also lost their lives in January while carrying out a mission to intercept a vessel transporting Iranian-manufactured weapons destined for Yemen.
