The U.S. soldiers who were killed and injured in an ambush on Saturday in Syria were associated with the Iowa National Guard, according to a senior official.
An ISIS shooter opened fire in Palmyra, Syria, resulting in the deaths of two Iowa National Guard members and an American civilian interpreter. In total, three additional soldiers sustained injuries during this attack.
President Trump has promised “very serious retaliation” against ISIS following this immediate threat to American personnel.
Preliminary details indicate that the assailant was a former member of the Syrian government military. Somehow, he transitioned to align with ISIS. Officials clarified that he wasn’t part of the official group accompanied by U.S. and Syrian troops, stating, “This wouldn’t qualify as a ‘green on blue’ situation since he was not involved in the U.S.-Syrian partnership.”
Earlier that day, U.S. Central Command confirmed the incident was carried out by a lone ISIS actor.
Trump emphasized the loss felt by the nation, expressing condolences for the three Americans—including two soldiers and an interpreter—who perished in this ambush. He mentioned the soldiers who were wounded, who have since been found safe, and extended prayers for their recovery.
In a broader context, Trump noted, “This is an ISIS attack on both the United States and Syria, occurring in a highly precarious area that is not fully secured.”
Recent months have also seen violence against U.S. military personnel on home soil, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.
