A deadly ambush in central Syria has left two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter dead, triggering sharp warnings of retaliation from President Donald Trump and renewed focus on the persistent threat posed by the Islamic State.
The attack unfolded in the historic city of Palmyra, where a lone ISIS gunman targeted U.S. personnel during an operation. Three additional American soldiers were wounded but are now reported to be recovering.
A Deadly Strike in a Volatile Region
According to U.S. military officials, the attack occurred during a routine engagement in a region long known for instability and militant activity. The assault was later confirmed to be a coordinated ambush carried out by a single ISIS operative.
President Trump responded swiftly, warning that the consequences would be severe. He described the incident as an ISIS assault on both the United States and Syria and emphasized that the area where it occurred remains outside full Syrian government control.
In a statement posted online, Trump wrote, “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well. This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them,” adding later, “The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation,”
Trump: Loss, Mourning, and a Warning
Speaking to reporters hours later, the president returned to the human cost of the attack. “This was an ISIS attack on us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.”
Military officials said the troops were operating as part of ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from regrouping in the region. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted that the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement.” He added, “Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS/counter-terrorism operations in the region,” and confirmed, “The soldiers’ names, as well as identifying information about their units, are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin notification. “
Attacker Killed as Investigation Continues
U.S. defense leaders said the gunman did not survive the encounter. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed, “The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.”
Hegseth issued a blunt warning following the incident, declaring, “Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,”
Pentagon officials stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the ambush occurred in territory not under the Syrian president’s direct control.
Nation Reacts to the Loss
The deaths drew immediate reactions across the U.S. military community. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll shared his condolences, writing, “I’m praying for the brave U.S. soldiers and civilian who lost their lives, those who were injured in this attack, and the families who bear this profound loss,” followed by, “The men and women who serve our country represent the very best of our nation. We mourn the passing of these heroes and honor their service and sacrifice.”
A senior U.S. official earlier confirmed that multiple American personnel were injured in the ambush.
Analyst Dan Diker described the broader response by saying, “The United States, CIA and military forces are reportedly deeply involved in securing and stabilizing the situation in Syria,”
U.S. Presence in Syria Remains Steady
The wounded soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the al-Tanf garrison near the borders of Iraq and Jordan. The U.S. currently maintains roughly 900 troops in Syria as part of its long-running mission to prevent ISIS from reestablishing a foothold.
That mission began in 2014, when American forces moved to stop the terrorist group from forming a caliphate. While several U.S. bases have since been closed or transferred to allied forces, American troops continue to patrol key areas.
The attack comes as Syria marks a year since the collapse of the Assad regime, an anniversary that recently drew massive crowds into the streets of Damascus and underscored the fragile new chapter unfolding across the country.
