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Iowa National Guard Troops Killed in ISIS Ambush in Syria
Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian translator were killed Saturday in an ambush attack by an ISIS gunman in the central Syrian town of Palmyra, according to a senior U.S. official. Three additional U.S. soldiers were wounded in the attack, which occurred when the gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the deaths and injuries were “a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria.” The injured soldiers are reportedly in stable condition.
Preliminary intelligence suggests the attacker had a complex background, having once been affiliated with Syrian government forces as a low-level member of the Syrian Security Forces before later developing connections to ISIS. Officials emphasized that the gunman was not part of the official delegation being escorted by the U.S. and Syrian troops.
“This would not be considered a ‘green on blue’ incident because the Syrian gunman was not part of the U.S./Syrian partnered delegation,” the senior official explained.
President Donald Trump addressed the attack on Truth Social, writing: “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well.” Trump warned that there would be “very serious retaliation” following the ambush, noting, “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 attack highlights the persistent ISIS threat in Syria despite the territorial defeat of the terrorist organization in 2019. U.S. forces have maintained a presence in northeastern Syria to support local partners fighting ISIS remnants and to prevent the group’s resurgence.
American troops in Syria, numbering approximately 900, primarily work alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in counter-terrorism operations. Their mission includes denying ISIS access to critical resources and preventing the group from using Syrian territory to plan attacks against the United States or its allies.
This deadly ambush comes amid growing concerns about increasing ISIS activity in the region. Security experts have noted that the terrorist group has been attempting to rebuild its networks and capabilities in both Syria and Iraq, conducting more frequent attacks against local security forces and civilians.
The Iowa National Guard troops were part of the rotating U.S. military presence in Syria. National Guard deployments to conflict zones have become increasingly common in America’s overseas military operations, with Guard units frequently serving alongside active-duty forces in combat zones.
This incident marks the most significant attack on U.S. forces in Syria since March 2023, when a drone strike killed an American contractor and wounded several U.S. troops. It also comes just weeks after another National Guard tragedy, when two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed near the White House in Washington, D.C., leaving one soldier dead.
The Pentagon has not yet released the identities of the killed and wounded personnel, pending notification of their families. Military officials have indicated that a full investigation into the attack is underway.
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12 Comments
Tragic loss of American lives in Syria. My condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen Iowa National Guard soldiers. This attack highlights the ongoing risks our troops face even as ISIS’s territorial control has diminished.
Agreed, it’s a sobering reminder of the dangers our troops continue to face in the region. We must honor their sacrifice and ensure their families receive our full support.
This is a stark reminder of the volatility in Syria and the ongoing threat of ISIS, even as their physical caliphate has been dismantled. My heart goes out to the victims’ loved ones. Securing lasting peace and stability in the region remains a critical challenge.
You make a good point. Defeating the ideology and networks of terrorist groups like ISIS is an immense challenge that requires sustained effort and vigilance.
Attacks like this underscore the complex and fluid security environment in Syria, where even low-level militants can pose a deadly threat to coalition forces. We must continue to support our troops and their families during these difficult times.
Absolutely. The loss of these brave soldiers is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices our service members make to keep us safe. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
This is a devastating loss. The Iowa National Guard soldiers and civilian translator were heroes who paid the ultimate price defending our country. We must continue supporting our troops and their families during these difficult times.
Absolutely. Their sacrifice reminds us of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the risks our service members face, even as the fight against ISIS continues. We owe them our deepest gratitude.
My deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of the Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in this ISIS ambush. Their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice deserve our utmost respect and honor.
Well said. We must never forget the heavy toll these conflicts take on our troops and their families. Their bravery and dedication are truly inspiring.
Tragic news about the Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria. My heart goes out to their loved ones. This attack underscores the persistent dangers our troops face, even as the fight against ISIS evolves. We must honor their service and sacrifice.
Well said. Securing lasting peace and stability in the region remains a daunting challenge, but we must remain committed to supporting our troops and their families through these difficult times.