On Saturday, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed in an attack by an ISIS gunman in central Syria. Three additional service members sustained injuries in the incident, according to statements from U.S. Central Command. The event occurred in the city of Palmyra.
This incident takes place approximately one year after the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the cessation of U.S. sanctions against the country.
Official Responses
President Trump, commenting on Truth Social, stated that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed significant anger and distress regarding the attack, and indicated that severe retaliation would follow.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed via social media that partner forces had eliminated the gunman. Hegseth further issued a statement online, asserting that any individual targeting Americans globally would be pursued and eliminated by the United States.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated on X that the shooting occurred as the involved soldiers were concluding a key leader engagement. He specified that their mission involved supporting counterterrorism operations within the region.
U.S. Central Command has reported that since October, its forces have advised, assisted, and enabled over 22 operations against ISIS alongside partners in Syria. These operations have led to the deaths of five ISIS members and the capture of 19.
Parnell added that the Saturday attack is currently under investigation.