Apparent rocket attack on U.S. warship in Jordan unsuccessful

A suspected mortar shot apparently aimed at a U.S. warship docked in Aqaba, Jordan, in the Red Sea missed its target but killed a Jordanian soldier and wounded another severely, U.S. military and wire services report.

According to a release by the U.S. Central Command in Bahrain, shortly before 9 a.m. local time August 19 a mortar shot passed over the bow of the USS Ashland and exploded on the roof of a nearby warehouse, causing a hole about 8 feet in diameter. No U.S. personnel were injured.

Another warship, the USS Kearsarge, was located close by the Ashland and the warehouse, CENTCOM reported. The American Forces Information Service (AFIS) reported that the Ashland is an amphibious landing ship, while the Kearsarge is an amphibious assault ship that can also serve as command ship of an amphibious ready group with 1,200 Marines aboard. The AFIS report said both ships were in Aqaba supporting a U.S. Marine expeditionary unit training with the Jordanian military.

According to various news reports, one Jordanian soldier was killed and another severely wounded when the rocket hit the warehouse. Another rocket hit near a Jordanian hospital and partially detonated, causing limited damage. A third rocket reportedly landed in the Israeli city Eilat, located close by, but caused no injuries and little damage. Apparently the rockets were fired from a warehouse in Aqaba close to the port.

The U.S. military said the attack is currently under investigation.