Two U.S. Soldiers and One American Interpreter Killed, Pentagon Confirms
Two United States Army soldiers and a civilian U.S. interpreter were killed in a deadly ambush carried out by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria, U.S. officials confirmed on Saturday. The attack occurred during an ongoing counter-ISIS mission, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
Two U.S. Soldiers and One American Interpreter Killed, Pentagon Confirms
Deadly Ambush During Counter-ISIS Mission
Washington | Palmyra, Syria:
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a post on X that the attack took place in Palmyra, Syria, when U.S. forces were conducting a key leader engagement as part of counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations.
“Today in Palmyra, Syria, two United States Army soldiers and one civilian U.S. interpreter were killed, and three were wounded,” Parnell wrote.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the casualties were the result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman. In addition to the three fatalities, three U.S. personnel were wounded in the attack.
Identities Withheld
Pentagon officials said the names of the fallen soldiers and identifying details of their units are being withheld for at least 24 hours, in accordance with military protocol, until the next of kin are formally notified.
Attacker Killed by Partner Forces
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the attacker was killed by partner forces following the ambush.
In a strongly worded statement, Hegseth warned militant groups against targeting Americans anywhere in the world.
“The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.
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.”
Strong Warning to Terror Groups
Defense analysts say the statement underscores Washington’s zero-tolerance policy toward attacks on U.S. personnel and reflects the continued commitment to global counter-terrorism operations, particularly against ISIS remnants in Syria.
Continued U.S. Presence in Syria
The United States continues to maintain a military presence in Syria as part of its mission to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and to support regional stability. Despite ISIS losing its territorial “caliphate,” U.S. and coalition forces warn that lone-wolf attacks remain a serious threat.
