Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed and three U.S. service members wounded in an ambush near Palmyra, Syria. U.S. Central Command said a lone ISIS gunman carried out the attack and preliminary reports indicate he previously had ties to Syrian security forces. Officials noted the shooter was not part of the escorted delegation, so the incident is not being classified as a "green-on-blue" attack. President Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" and offered condolences.
Iowa National Guard Soldiers and U.S. Interpreter Killed in ISIS Ambush Near Palmyra; President Vows "Very Serious Retaliation"
U.S. forces patrol in Syria's northeastern city of Qamishli in the Hasakeh province, Jan. 9.
Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed and three U.S. service members were wounded in an ambush Saturday in the historic town of Palmyra, Syria, a senior U.S. official told Fox News.
U.S. Central Command later confirmed the casualties and said preliminary information indicates the attack was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman who opened fire with an automatic weapon. Officials said the suspect previously had low-level ties to Syrian government security forces before becoming associated with ISIS.
President Donald Trump attends the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen, Saturday, in Baltimore.
Authorities emphasized the shooter was not part of the official delegation being escorted by U.S. and Syrian troops, and therefore the incident is not being classified as a "green-on-blue" attack involving a partnered force member.
President's Response
President Donald Trump pledged a strong response on Truth Social, offering condolences and warning of consequences for the attack.
U.S. Army soldiers in northeastern Syria.
"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... 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. There will be very serious retaliation," the president wrote.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about the security environment in parts of Syria where control is contested and extremist groups remain active. Last month, two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House in a targeted ambush that left one soldier dead.
Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.
