US Soldiers and Interpreter Killed in Syria Ambush
United States Central Command has reported the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and one civilian interpreter due to an ambush by a gunman linked to ISIS in Palmyra, Syria.
Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, confirmed on Saturday that three additional individuals were injured in the incident. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the assailant was neutralized by partner forces.
“The attack occurred as the soldiers were engaged in a key leader engagement, supporting ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations in the region,” Parnell noted. “Names and unit details of the soldiers will be withheld for at least 24 hours pending notification of next of kin.”
“An investigation into the attack is currently underway,” he added.
The identity of the gunman remains undisclosed, and no group has taken credit for the assault.
“Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will live the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing that the United States will pursue you until justice is served,” Secretary Hegseth warned.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, has condemned this “cowardly terrorist” attack.
“We mourn the loss of three brave U.S. service members and our civilian personnel while wishing a speedy recovery to the Syrian troops injured in the ambush,” Barrack stated. “We remain dedicated to defeating terrorism alongside our Syrian partners.”
Last month, Syria officially joined the international coalition against ISIS, signaling a shift in its relations with Western nations following the end of the Assad family’s decades-long rule. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Washington recently for discussions with President Donald Trump, highlighting improved diplomatic ties.
Although ISIS was declared defeated in Syria in 2019, sleeper cells continue to carry out lethal attacks. The United Nations estimates that the group still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters actively operating in Syria and Iraq.
