On December 13, 2024, a lone gunman affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) ambushed U.S. personnel in Palmyra, Syria, resulting in the deaths of two American service members and one civilian. Additionally, three service members sustained injuries during the attack, which occurred in the Homs Governorate, an area known for its ongoing conflict and instability.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the assailant was a member of the Syrian security forces, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). A spokesperson from the Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed that the attacker had been under investigation for holding “extremist ideas,” although it was emphasized that he did not occupy a leadership role within the security forces. This incident marks the first attack on U.S. personnel in Syria resulting in casualties since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and the first deadly attack involving American forces since 2019.
In a statement following the attack, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences for the fallen Americans and described the incident as an attack against the United States and Syria in a “very dangerous part of Syria that is not fully controlled by the Syrian government.” He also warned of “very serious retaliation” in response to the ambush.
The attack occurred during a key leader engagement mission, which aimed to support ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations in the region. Sean Parnell, the chief spokesman for the Pentagon, confirmed, “Partner forces” were responsible for neutralizing the attacker shortly after the incident. Reports from CNN detailed that the assault took place at a fortified command facility belonging to the Syrian Internal Security Forces, where the assailant opened fire at the entrance.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior later confirmed the swift action taken against the perpetrator but denied claims of any leadership ties within the Syrian Internal Security Forces. Noureddine al Baba, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that investigations were underway to ascertain whether the attacker had connections to ISIS or adhered to its ideology.
Baba further revealed that the Syrian state had previously issued warnings to international coalition partners about potential breaches or attacks by ISIS, which had not been heeded. He noted that over 5,000 personnel affiliated with the Internal Security Command in the Badia region undergo weekly evaluations, with measures taken based on these assessments.
On December 10, an evaluation indicated that the attacker might hold extremist views, and a decision regarding his status was anticipated to be made the following week. Unfortunately, the ambush occurred on a Saturday, recognized as an administrative holiday.
Following the attack, a Syrian security source reported that U.S. helicopters transported the wounded service members to the al-Tanf base, situated near the borders of Jordan and Iraq, where American troops collaborate with the Syrian Army’s 70th Division. This area, primarily controlled by the 70th Division, was once a stronghold for ISIS.
Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), condemned the attack and emphasized the need for enhanced joint efforts in counter-terrorism operations. He expressed sympathy for the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured.
The last fatal attack on American personnel in Syria took place in 2019 in Manbij, Aleppo Governorate, when a suicide bombing claimed by ISIS resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers, a Pentagon employee, and a contractor.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s ambush, local social media outlets reported sightings of U.S. and coalition drones operating at low altitudes over the Palmyra area. It remains uncertain whether this activity was part of a retaliatory response or routine reconnaissance aimed at identifying ISIS cells.
As investigations continue, the implications of this attack on U.S. operations and regional security remain to be seen.
