Two U.S. Soldiers and Interpreter Killed in Syria Ambush; Trump Vows Retaliation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. interpreter were killed Saturday in an ambush attack in central Syria, the Pentagon confirmed, as President Donald Trump warned of “very serious retaliation” against those responsible. The incident occurred in the town of Palmyra, a region marked by ongoing conflict and contested control, where U.S. forces continue their counter-ISIS and counterterrorism operations.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced that the soldiers and interpreter were targeted during a key leader engagement, a mission aimed at strengthening partnerships and combating extremist threats in the region. Three other soldiers were wounded in the attack but are reported to be in stable condition. The Pentagon is withholding the names of the fallen soldiers and their units pending next-of-kin notification.
U.S. Central Command described the assault as the work of a lone Islamic State gunman, who was subsequently killed by partner forces on the ground. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth underscored the United States’ resolve, stating, “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.”
The attack took place in an area outside the control of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has expressed strong condemnation of the violence. President Trump noted on his social media platform Truth Social that al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” emphasizing the shared threat ISIS poses to both Syria and the United States.
Trump’s remarks outside the White House reflected the gravity of the incident: “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.” He pledged a forceful response, signaling a continuation of U.S. military engagement in the region.
The ambush highlights the persistent dangers U.S. forces face in Syria despite efforts to stabilize the area. According to the Department of Defense, U.S. troops remain committed to counterterrorism missions aimed at dismantling ISIS networks and preventing the resurgence of extremist groups.
Palmyra, historically a strategic location in Syria, has seen fluctuating control amid the Syrian civil war and the rise and fall of ISIS. The region remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between various factions and limited governance, complicating efforts to secure lasting peace.
The U.S. military’s role in Syria is part of a broader international coalition effort to combat terrorism and support local partners. The U.S. Central Command continues to coordinate operations that target ISIS remnants and support stabilization initiatives.
As investigations into the attack proceed, Pentagon officials reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and operational security. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by service members and civilian personnel engaged in complex and dangerous environments.
For further updates on U.S. military operations and counterterrorism efforts, the Department of Defense Newsroom provides official statements and briefings.
The loss of the two soldiers and the interpreter marks a somber moment for the U.S. military community and underscores the ongoing challenges in the fight against ISIS and global terrorism.
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