Overview
The United States military has confirmed that two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed during a deadly ambush in central Syria, carried out by a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) gunman. The incident underscores the ongoing security risks in the region despite years of international counterterrorism operations.
What Happened in Palmyra
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack occurred in Palmyra, where US forces were conducting a scheduled engagement mission. A lone gunman opened fire in what officials described as a planned ambush.
The attacker was later confronted and killed by responding forces. In addition to the three Americans killed, three US service members and two Syrian personnel were injured during the incident.
US and Syrian Responses
US President Donald Trump described the incident as an “ISIS attack” and warned of serious retaliation. Senior US defence officials echoed the message, stating that attacks on American personnel anywhere in the world would be met with decisive action.
The Syrian government also condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirming its cooperation with the United States in combating terrorism.
Who Was Behind the Attack?
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, initial US assessments indicate the ambush was likely carried out by ISIS. Independent monitoring groups have suggested the attacker may have had links to local security forces, though this claim remains under investigation.
Officials noted the attack took place in an area outside full Syrian government control, highlighting ongoing security gaps.
ISIS: A Persistent Threat
Although ISIS lost its last territorial stronghold in Syria in 2019, the United Nations estimates the group still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq. These remnants continue to carry out sporadic but deadly attacks.
US troops have remained in Syria since 2015, supporting local forces and participating in international efforts to prevent ISIS from regrouping.
Why This Matters
The attack serves as a stark reminder that ISIS remains capable of lethal operations, even against heavily protected military targets. It also raises questions about the long-term stability of counterterrorism gains in the region.