The attack that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter near the historic site of Palmyra has prompted President Donald Trump to promise “there will be very serious retaliation.” The incident, blamed by the United States on the Islamic State group, occurred in a region that is “not fully controlled by them,” according to the president’s social‑media post.
Attack Details
A lone ISIS member opened fire on a U.S. military post in central Syria, killing two soldiers and an interpreter while wounding three additional service members. U.S. Central Command reported that the gunman was killed, and the wounded were transported by helicopter to the al‑Tanf garrison near the Iraq‑Jordan border. The state‑run SANA news agency said the shooting took place near Palmyra and that two members of Syria’s security force were also wounded.
Trump’s Response
During a briefing at the White House, President Trump described Syria’s president Ahmed al‑Sharaa as “devastated” and “extremely angry and disturbed” by the attack. He reiterated that Syria is fighting alongside U.S. troops and that the three wounded soldiers “seem to be doing pretty well.” On Truth Social, Trump repeated the promise of “very serious retaliation,” emphasizing the seriousness of the ISIS assault.
Military and Diplomatic Context
The U.S. has maintained a presence in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting ISIS, with troops stationed at the al‑Tanf garrison in the Homs province. This attack marks the first fatality of U.S. forces in Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad a year ago. The United Nations reports that ISIS still retains 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq, and sleeper cells continue to conduct deadly attacks.
Statements from Other Officials
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell identified the civilian casualty as a U.S. interpreter and said the attack targeted soldiers involved in counter‑terrorism operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X: “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.” Syria’s Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al‑Din al‑Baba said the gunman was linked to ISIS and was opening fire at the gate of a military post, while denying that the attacker was a security member.
Background on Syria and U.S. Relations
Syria joined the international coalition fighting ISIS last month, improving ties with Western countries after the ouster of Assad when insurgents captured his seat of power. Ahmed al‑Sharaa, who led the rebel forces that toppled Bashar Assad in December 2024, was named the country’s interim leader in January. He had previously been linked to al‑Qaida and faced a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. Al‑Sharaa made a historic visit to Washington last month, the first White House visit by a Syrian head of state since independence in 1946, following the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria.
Key Takeaways
- Two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter were killed in an ISIS attack near Palmyra.
- President Trump vows “very serious retaliation” and stresses Syria’s cooperation with U.S. forces.
- The U.S. military confirmed the gunman was killed; wounded soldiers are recovering.
The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in Syria and the continued threat posed by ISIS remnants, while highlighting the fragile diplomatic and military partnership between the United States and the newly established Syrian interim government.
