Three Americans Killed in Syria Ambush by IS Gunman
Attack Leaves US Soldiers and Civilian Dead
PALMYRA, Syria — Two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed in Syria during an ambush by an Islamic State (IS) gunman, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed. Three other U.S. service members sustained injuries in the attack. Syrian state media reported that two Syrian security personnel were also injured.
Centcom said the gunman was “engaged and killed” during the assault. The identities of the deceased are being withheld for 24 hours to notify next of kin.
U.S. and Syrian Reactions
President Donald Trump described the incident on social media as “an ISIS attack” against both the U.S. and Syria and warned of a “very serious retaliation.” The Syrian government also issued a statement condemning the attack.
Pentagon officials stated that initial assessments indicate the ambush was likely carried out by the Islamic State group, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested the attacker may have been a member of Syrian security forces. No group has officially claimed responsibility.
Location and Context
The ambush occurred in Palmyra, central Syria, while U.S. soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said. A Pentagon official added that the attack took place in an area outside the Syrian president’s control.
Trump later confirmed that the three injured U.S. soldiers were “doing well,” as investigations into the incident continue.
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