BREAKING: Two U.S. service members and an American civilian interpreter were killed during an ambush by an Islamic State gunman in central Syria on October 21, 2023. The attack, which left three additional American service members wounded, took place near the historic city of Palmyra, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The lone ISIS assailant was “neutralized” during the engagement, according to a CENTCOM statement. The identities of the deceased are being withheld for 24 hours to notify their next of kin. The civilian victim was identified as an interpreter assisting U.S. troops.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a fierce response on social media platform X, stating, “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.”
The Pentagon reported that the attack occurred while the soldiers were engaged in a “key leader engagement” supporting ongoing counter-ISIS operations in the region. The injured personnel were evacuated by helicopter to the Al-Tanf garrison, an American base located near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan.
This incident marks the first American casualties in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad a year ago, amidst improving diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Despite the Islamic State’s territorial defeat in 2019, the group continues to pose a significant threat. The United Nations estimates that ISIS retains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq, primarily operating through sleeper cells.
As this situation develops, the U.S. military is expected to intensify its counter-terrorism efforts in the region. The attack underscores the ongoing risks faced by American forces in Syria and the enduring volatility in the area.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story as more information becomes available.
