U.S. Military Casualties in Syria: Trump Promises Retaliation After ISIS Attack

Two U.S. Army soldiers and an American interpreter were killed in an ambush by a suspected ISIS gunman in Palmyra, Syria, as confirmed by the Pentagon. The attack, which also left three soldiers wounded, occurred during a key leader engagement supporting ongoing counter-ISIS operations, according to Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.

President Donald Trump expressed condolences, stating, 'We mourn the loss of three great patriots in Syria' and promised 'very serious retaliation' against ISIS. He indicated that the attack took place in a dangerous area not fully controlled by ISIS and noted the anger of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding the incident.

The attacker was killed by partner forces shortly after the ambush. The U.S. military presence in Syria is currently around 1,500 troops, down from earlier counts, as the Pentagon has been directing withdrawals.

This incident marks the first U.S. military casualties in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime a year ago, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by ISIS despite claims of its defeat in 2019.

U.S. troops remain engaged in stabilizing efforts in the region as the Islamic State continues to have sleeper cells operational throughout Syria and Iraq, with estimates of 5,000 to 7,000 fighters remaining active.

The attack contrasts sharply with recent celebrations in Syria marking a year since the regime's collapse, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.