Trump Vows Retaliation After U.S. Soldiers, Civilian Interpreter Killed in Syria
President Donald Trump vowed retaliation Saturday after two U.S. Army soldiers and one American civilian interpreter were killed in an ISIS-linked ambush in central Syria, calling the attack a direct assault on both the United States and its regional partners.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the victims were “three Great American Patriots” and confirmed that three additional U.S. service members were wounded but are recovering well. He attributed the attack to ISIS and warned that those responsible would face serious consequences.
“This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria that is not fully controlled,” Trump wrote. “There will be very serious retaliation.”
Trump reiterated that message in remarks to reporters outside the White House, expressing condolences to the families of the fallen and emphasizing that the United States would respond forcefully.
According to U.S. Central Command and Pentagon officials, the attack occurred near Palmyra during a key leader engagement and joint patrol as part of ongoing counter-ISIS operations. Officials said the assault was carried out by a single ISIS gunman, who was subsequently killed by partner forces. No militant group has independently claimed responsibility.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s warning, stating that anyone targeting Americans would face severe consequences.
Trump also referenced the reaction of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying the Syrian leader was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the attack. The Palmyra region remains a volatile area with lingering ISIS activity, despite recent efforts to stabilize parts of the country following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The incident appears to mark the first fatal attack on U.S. personnel in Syria since Assad’s fall, underscoring ongoing security risks even as U.S.–Syria coordination against ISIS has expanded in recent months.
U.S. officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
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