URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking ambush on July 15, 2023, two U.S. service members and an American civilian interpreter were killed by a lone ISIS gunman in central Syria. The attack occurred near the historic city of Palmyra and has left three additional American service members wounded.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the casualties, stating that the attacker was “neutralized” during the incident. The identities of the deceased are being withheld for 24 hours to notify their next of kin. The civilian victim was an interpreter assisting U.S. troops in the region.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded forcefully on social media platform X, declaring, “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 ambush occurred while the soldiers were engaged in a key leader meeting to support ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations in the area. The wounded service members were evacuated by helicopter to the Al-Tanf garrison, a U.S. military base located near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan.
This tragic incident marks the first American casualties in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad a year ago, a significant turning point in the region. Following Assad’s fall, diplomatic relations have improved between the United States and the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who recently made a visit to Washington.
Despite having suffered major territorial losses in 2019, the Islamic State remains a persistent threat. The United Nations estimates that the terror group still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq, operating primarily through sleeper cells.
The situation is still developing, and further updates are expected as officials gather more information. This attack underscores the ongoing risks faced by U.S. forces in the region and the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups like ISIS. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
