Two soldiers and a civilian interpreter died during a joint patrol with Syrian forces near Palmyra while supporting counterterrorism operations
Two US Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter were killed Saturday in an attack in central Syria, marking the first American casualties in the country since the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad. The deaths occurred during a joint patrol with Syrian forces near the ancient city of Palmyra, according to multiple reports.
Three additional American military personnel were wounded in the attack, the Pentagon confirmed. At least two members of the Syrian security forces also sustained injuries during the incident. The soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS in the region.
The gunman who attacked the joint Syrian and American forces was killed by partner forces, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Details about the attacker’s identity and motives remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the assault as of Sunday morning.
Traffic on the highway between Deir Ezzor and Damascus was halted following the incident. Video footage showed US combat aircraft circling overhead in the aftermath of the attack. US helicopters intervened to evacuate the wounded to the al-Tanf base, a US military installation in eastern Syria on the Iraqi border.
Pentagon vows swift response to attacks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a forceful statement following the attack, warning those who target Americans anywhere in the world. He said attackers would spend the rest of their brief, anxious lives knowing the United States will hunt them down and kill them. The strong rhetoric reflects the administration’s approach to protecting American forces operating in volatile regions.
Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell released additional details about the incident on social media, explaining that the soldiers were conducting operations supporting counter-ISIS and counterterrorism efforts. He noted that the names of those killed were being withheld until their families could be properly notified, following standard military protocol for casualty announcements.
The attack represents a dangerous moment for American forces in Syria, where approximately 900 troops remain deployed as part of the ongoing mission to prevent an ISIS resurgence. These forces operate in a complex environment alongside various local partners, including Syrian Democratic Forces and other regional allies.
Syria remains dangerous for American troops
The incident highlights the continued risks facing American military personnel in Syria despite the collapse of the Assad regime. US forces have maintained a presence in the country for years, primarily focused on preventing ISIS from regaining territory and operational capability in the region.
The joint patrol format, where American and Syrian forces operate together, has become standard practice for many missions in the country. These collaborative operations aim to build local security capacity while maintaining US oversight of counterterrorism efforts. However, they also expose American personnel to attacks from various hostile actors operating in Syria’s fragmented security landscape.
Saturday’s attack occurred in central Syria near Palmyra, a historically significant area that has changed hands multiple times during the country’s civil war. ISIS controlled Palmyra twice during the conflict, destroying ancient monuments and using the city as a stronghold before being driven out by Syrian government forces supported by Russian airpower.
First casualties since Assad’s fall complicate mission
The deaths mark a particularly sensitive moment for American operations in Syria. Assad’s recent fall created a power vacuum that various groups are attempting to fill, complicating the security situation for all parties operating in the country. The transition period has raised questions about how American forces will adjust their posture and partnerships in the evolving landscape.
The civilian interpreter killed in the attack represents a reminder of the local partners who support American military operations abroad. These individuals often face significant personal risk by working alongside US forces, and their contributions frequently go unrecognized outside military circles.
The attack underscores the persistent threat ISIS poses in Syria despite losing its territorial caliphate years ago. The terrorist organization has shifted to an insurgency model, conducting sporadic attacks and maintaining clandestine networks across Iraq and Syria. American forces work continuously to disrupt these networks and prevent ISIS from reconstituting its previous strength.
Saturday’s casualties will likely reignite debates over American troop presence in Syria while forcing military planners to reassess force protection measures. The evolving political situation following Assad’s fall adds complexity to these calculations, as traditional assumptions about Syria’s security environment no longer apply.
U.S. Personnel Ambushed by ISIS Gunman in Syria
TAMPA, Fla. – On Dec. 13, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria. The gunman was engaged and killed.
As a matter…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 13, 2025