On January 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that 34 soldiers stationed at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries following an Iranian missile attack on January 8. Initially, these injuries were downplayed by President Trump, who described them as mere “headaches,” suggesting they were not serious.
The situation escalated after Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian military leader. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at U.S. troops at the base, forcing many to seek shelter in bunkers as the assault continued for two hours.
Initially, the Trump administration reported no injuries from the attack, but as soldiers began to show symptoms resembling concussions, the Pentagon then acknowledged the potential for brain injuries. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Trump dismissed these injuries during a press conference in Davos, Switzerland, stating, “No, I don’t consider them very serious injuries, relative to other injuries that I’ve seen.”
Reports indicate that some of the affected soldiers were just feet away from the missile strikes, and only eight have returned home after treatment in Germany, while others remain hospitalized overseas. This has sparked a call for an apology from the president, as many believe his comments trivialize the soldiers’ injuries. “It’s plain wrong for President Trump to diminish their wounds,” said Senator Tom Harris, a former officer in the military. “He owes them an apology.”
Interestingly, since the news broke about the brain injuries, Trump has continued to focus on other topics, like the March For Life, without addressing the situation or issuing any public apology. For more detailed insights into family-building options, check out this resource on home insemination.
In conclusion, the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries among U.S. soldiers following the Iranian attack raises serious concerns about the administration’s response and the need for proper acknowledgment of military injuries.