Drone strike kills 3 US troops near Jordan-Syria border. Here's how Arizona's congressional delegation responded

Three U.S. service members were killed and dozens wounded Sunday in a drone attack by "Iran-backed militants" at a U.S. base along the Jordanian-Syrian border as the war in Gaza shows signs of spreading across the region.

They are the first U.S. troops killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, igniting the war that has led to more than 26,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. Identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their families have been notified, U.S. Central Command said.

President Joe Biden issued a statement saying an investigation was underway and that "we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups" operating in Syria and Iraq. The three were "patriots in the highest sense" and the nation is grieving, he said.

Several congressional Arizona leaders issued swift responses to the drone attack on Sunday. Here is a roundup of what they had to say:

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz.

"Last night, an Iranian-backed militia group carried out a drone attack that killed 3 U.S. servicemembers and wounded more in Jordan. I join all Arizonans in mourning the loss of these brave heroes and wishing the injured troops a quick and full recovery.

As we await further details, we stand unflinching in our mission to defeat this heinous terrorism. We’re sending strength and gratitude to the families of those killed and injured during this extraordinarily difficult time."

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.

"Three servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice and 25 more were injured in service of our country. I'm thinking of them and their loved ones. This attack is a dangerous escalation by Iran's proxies. Those responsible must be held accountable."

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego called for the drone attack carried out by "Iranian-backed militants" that killed three American troops to "not go unpunished" on Sunday.

“I am grieving for the families of the three service members killed in Jordan. The attack carried out by Iranian-backed militants is a heinous escalation, and it must not go unpunished," Gallego said in a statement.

Gallego said he was committed to providing the administration with the needed resources to protect U.S. troops in the region and "hold Iran accountable.”

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Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.

"Laura & I are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of 3 servicemembers in Jordan and praying for those injured in the attacks. The growing aggression from Iran-backed proxies and other adversaries must be squashed with a swift response from the United States."

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.

"My prayers go out to the US service members who were killed and injured by an Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan. 3 patriots died while 25 more were injured. Joe Biden has emboldened Iran and shown weakness on the global stage. We have to have a stronger Commander-in-Chief."

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz.

"My heart goes out to the loved ones of the three American servicemembers killed — and to all those injured —while bravely serving our nation. The U.S. must hold Iran and its proxies accountable."

Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz.

Crane showed sympathy for the families and loved ones of the U.S. service members who were killed in the incident and criticized the Biden administration's foreign policies in an email statement obtained by The Arizona Republic.

“As someone who has served in the Middle East, my heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the three American service members who were killed in Jordan over the weekend, as well as the two Navy SEALs recently declared dead after a 10-day search off the coast of Somalia.

“The Biden Administration, unfortunately, has pursued a foreign policy that embodies the opposite of ‘peace through strength.’ Over the last three years, we have seen crisis after crisis unfold as a direct result of the reckless pursuit of policies that embolden our enemies.”

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva

Grijalva referred to Sunday's attack as a "devastating tragedy" and a "disturbing" incident in a statement issued on Monday. He also emphasized calls for a de-escalation of violence and search for peaceful solutions.

"We’re heartbroken for the families who have lost loved ones," Grijalva said in the statement. "This violence needs to end. We must prevent further conflict and loss of life in the region. We must do all we can to de-escalate and pursue a real path toward peace.”

Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz.

Schweikert said on a Sunday night post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he and his wife, Joyce Schweikert, were saddened by the incident and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

"Joyce and I are saddened by the loss of 3 brave U.S. service members in last night’s drone attack in Jordan, which also left dozens injured, and our prayers are with their families. Those who orchestrated this cowardly attack must be held accountable."

Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona's congressmembers respond to drone strike near Jordan, Syria