Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed Saturday in a deadly ISIS ambush in the central Syrian town of Palmyra, according to reports.
The victims were revealed by a senior U.S. official who spoke with Fox News.
Three additional U.S. soldiers were wounded.
U.S. officials say the attacker opened fire with an automatic weapon during what was supposed to be a routine movement involving U.S. and Syrian partner forces.
Early intelligence indicates the gunman had previously served as a low-level member of the Syrian Security Forces before becoming connected to ISIS.
In Palmyra – eastern Syria, US forces of the coalition against ISIS alongside their allies the Tanf-FSA were ambushed.
Sources on the ground claim that soldiers of the convoy were wounded.
Right now, the US forces enforced a blockade of the main roads via the STG – US air… pic.twitter.com/LEI9ceXALF
— ScharoMaroof (@ScharoMaroof) December 13, 2025
The official emphasized that the shooter was not part of the coalition delegation.
“He was not a part of the official delegation that was being escorted by the US and Syrian troops,” the official told Fox.
“… This would not be considered a ‘green on blue’ incident because the Syrian gunman was not part of the US/Syrian partnered delegation.”
U.S. Central Command confirmed Saturday afternoon that the deaths and injuries resulted from “an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria.”
President Donald Trump issued a forceful response, vowing consequences and honoring the fallen.
“We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well.”
He added, “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.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the gunman as a “savage.”
“Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,” Hegseth warned.
The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.
Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. https://t.co/P7D9NrWpAL
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) December 13, 2025
The killings come less than a month after a separate targeted attack near the White House left one West Virginia National Guard soldier dead and another wounded, underscoring the increasingly volatile landscape facing U.S. service members both abroad and at home.
The Pentagon is continuing to assess whether the Palmyra gunman acted alone or maintained operational ties with ISIS elements in the region.
U.S. officials say further retaliation measures are being prepared.
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