Iowa National Guard Soldiers Killed in ISIS Ambush in Syria; Trump Vows Retaliation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed Saturday in a deadly ambush by an ISIS gunman in the central Syrian town of Palmyra, a senior U.S. official confirmed. The attack also wounded three other U.S. soldiers, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by American forces operating in volatile regions of Syria.
The assailant, who opened fire with an automatic weapon, was reportedly a former low-level member of the Syrian Security Forces before affiliating with ISIS. Officials clarified that the attacker was not part of the official U.S.-Syrian delegation being escorted at the time, ruling out what is known as a “green on blue” incident, where allied forces attack U.S. troops.
President Donald Trump responded swiftly to the attack, promising a “very serious retaliation” against ISIS. In a statement posted on the White House website and his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump mourned the loss of the three American patriots and expressed prayers for the wounded soldiers, who were reported to be in stable condition.
“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,” the president said. The ambush highlights the persistent threat posed by ISIS, even as U.S. forces continue to partner with local groups to stabilize the region.
The U.S. Central Command, responsible for military operations in the Middle East, confirmed the deaths and injuries resulted from the ambush by a lone ISIS gunman. The incident comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to counter terrorism and maintain security in Syria’s fractured landscape, where multiple factions vie for control.
According to the Department of Defense, U.S. troops have maintained a presence in northeastern Syria to support local partners and prevent the resurgence of ISIS, despite the complex and often dangerous environment. The attack in Palmyra, a city of strategic significance, underscores the challenges of these missions.
Last month, the nation mourned another targeted attack when two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed near the White House, resulting in one fatality. These incidents have reignited debates on counterterrorism strategies and the protection of American service members both at home and abroad.
Congressional leaders also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a robust response. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) stated on the House of Representatives floor that “there must be a response when we’re attacked,” reflecting bipartisan concern over the rising threats.
The Iowa National Guard, which has a longstanding history of service in overseas operations, expressed profound grief over the loss of its soldiers. The Guard’s official website highlights its commitment to both state and federal missions, including deployments to combat zones like Syria.
As the nation grapples with this latest tragedy, officials continue to assess security protocols and the evolving threat landscape in Syria. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
For further information on U.S. military operations and counterterrorism efforts, visit the U.S. Central Command and the National Guard Bureau websites.
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