Palmyra, Syria — December 13, 2025 — Two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed Saturday in central Syria during a suspected Islamic State (ISIS)-linked attack, U.S. military officials said. The incident also left several other American and Syrian personnel wounded as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

 

Details of the Attack:

The assault occurred near the historic desert city of Palmyra, in an area outside full Syrian government control, as U.S. service members and their Syrian counterparts were conducting a “key leader engagement” as part of anti-ISIS operations. Central Command described the incident as an ambush by a lone gunman associated with the Islamic State, who opened fire on the joint security patrol before being neutralized by partner forces.

 

At least three U.S. soldiers were wounded, along with two members of the Syrian security forces, who were evacuated by U.S. helicopters to the American base at Al-Tanf, near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders. The names of the American service members killed are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

 

Syrian state media reported that some of its own personnel were also injured in the gunfire, underscoring the chaotic security environment still present in parts of the country despite territorial defeats inflicted on ISIS years ago.

 

 

Although the Islamic State group has not immediately claimed responsibility, U.S. officials and initial assessments indicate that the attack was likely carried out by an ISIS affiliate or supporter. The assailant was reportedly a member of Syrian security forces who had been under evaluation for extremist views prior to the incident. Syrian authorities are continuing their own investigation into his background and motivations.

 

This strike marks one of the first deadly attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, a development that had led to increased cooperation between U.S. and Syrian forces against shared extremist threats.

 

U.S. Government Response:

President Donald Trump condemned the attack and vowed “very serious retaliation,” asserting that the assault was directed at U.S. and Syrian forces alike and emphasizing that those responsible would be held to account. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the attacker was neutralized and reiterated America’s ongoing commitment to defeating terrorism with international partners.

 

Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, issued a statement expressing deep condolences and reaffirmed the United States’ resolve to continue cooperation with Syrian forces in counter-terrorism operations.

 

Strategic Implications:

The killings come amid a continuing U.S. military presence in Syria—largely focused on countering ISIS remnants and preventing the group’s resurgence more than six years after it lost significant territorial control. Despite military gains against ISIS, sleeper cells and extremist networks remain active, particularly in remote desert regions, and pose an ongoing danger to coalition forces and local communities alike.