Two U.S. Troops and Civilian Killed in ISIS Ambush in Syria

PALMYRA, SYRIA

Two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian were killed in an ambush carried out by an ISIS-affiliated gunman near the historic city of Palmyra, Syrian and U.S. officials confirmed Monday. Three other U.S. service members were wounded in the attack, which occurred during a routine patrol as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

The U.S. Army identified the fallen soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, both members of the Iowa National Guard. The civilian interpreter killed in the attack has not yet been publicly named pending notification of next of kin. U.S. Central Command confirmed that the assailant, believed to be linked to the Islamic State, was neutralized by partner forces on the ground following the ambush.

The attack highlights the continuing threat posed by ISIS remnants in central and eastern Syria, despite the group’s territorial defeat. Officials described the area near Palmyra as unstable and partially outside full Syrian government control, where extremist networks remain active. Syrian authorities reported that the gunman was a recent recruit into local security forces with suspected extremist ties, underscoring ongoing challenges in securing the region.

President Donald Trump responded to the attack, vowing “very serious retaliation” and emphasizing that the United States would hold responsible parties accountable. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth condemned the ambush and stressed the continued need for vigilance in counter-terrorism operations. Syrian officials also denounced the incident as a terrorist act and extended condolences to the U.S., while highlighting the complexity of integrating local forces with varied backgrounds into official security structures.

The three wounded U.S. soldiers are reported to be in stable condition and were evacuated by helicopter to the al-Tanf U.S. base near the Iraq-Jordan border. Initial reports indicate that some Syrian security personnel were also injured during the incident.

Analysts say the attack is a stark reminder of the persistent dangers facing U.S. and allied forces in Syria, even after years of counter-ISIS operations. Temporary tactical gains in the region remain fragile, as extremist groups exploit gaps in local security. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the strategic importance of ongoing U.S. missions in central Syria, where troops conduct joint patrols, intelligence gathering, and coordination with regional partners.

For now, U.S. forces continue to assess the situation, maintain heightened security, and coordinate with Syrian and regional partners to prevent further attacks. International observers caution that while the immediate threat has been contained, ISIS’s continued presence underscores the need for sustained counter-terrorism efforts and vigilance.

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