JANUARY 29, 2024 – The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Army Reserve soldiers who were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga.; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga., died Jan. 28, 2024, in Jordan, when a one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS) impacted their container housing units. The incident is under investigation.
Rivers, Sanders and Moffett were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Ga.
For more information regarding Sgt. William J. Rivers, Spc. Kennedy L. Sanders, and Spc. Breonna A. Moffett, members of the media may contact Lt. Col. Addie Leonhardt, Chief of Public Information, U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs Office, Fort Liberty, N.C., at Phone: 910-570-8337 Mobile: 910-622-3654 or by email at addie.l.leonhardt.mil@army.mil.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our three Army Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Jordan. Our prayers are with these loyal and courageous Soldiers’ families, friends, and the entire 718th Engineer Company – we honor their selfless service and dedication to duty.” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin statement
“I am outraged and deeply saddened by the deaths of three of our U.S. service members and the wounding of other American troops in an attack last night against U.S. and Coalition forces, who were deployed to a site in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border to work for the lasting defeat of ISIS. These brave Americans and their families are in my prayers, and the entire Department of Defense mourns their loss.”
“Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on U.S. forces, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing.”
“The President and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests.”