Three Americans Killed in Syria Ambush as US Blames Islamic State Gunman

Three Americans have been killed in an attack in central Syria after a gunman believed to be linked to the Islamic State carried out an ambush, according to the US military. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Washington and renewed attention on the lingering threat posed by the extremist group in the region.

US Central Command said two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed during the attack. Three additional US service members were injured, though officials said their conditions were stable and improving. The gunman was confronted and killed during the incident. Syrian state media also reported that two Syrian security personnel were injured in the attack.

The ambush took place near the ancient city of Palmyra while US forces were conducting what the Pentagon described as a key leader engagement. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the circumstances of the attack are still under investigation. A senior US defense official noted that the area where the attack occurred is not fully under the control of the Syrian government.

On Monday, the US Army identified the two fallen soldiers as Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, 29. The name of the civilian interpreter has not been released. Officials said the loss of life highlights the ongoing risks faced by personnel operating in unstable regions despite years of progress against extremist groups.

In a statement posted on social media, President Donald Trump described the assault as an ISIS attack targeting both US and Syrian forces. He warned that there would be a serious response and later said the injured American personnel were doing well, with two already released from hospital. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the hard line, saying any attack on Americans would be met with relentless retaliation.

US Central Command said initial assessments indicated the ambush was carried out by a lone Islamic State gunman. A Pentagon official said it was likely the attacker was acting on behalf of the group. However, the UK based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed the attacker may have been linked to Syrian security forces. No group has formally claimed responsibility, and the gunman’s identity has not been made public.

Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al Shaibani condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, also denounced the assault, calling it a cowardly terrorist ambush and reaffirming US commitment to working with Syrian partners to defeat terrorism.

The attack comes amid efforts to reset relations between Washington and Damascus. Last month, Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa met President Trump at the White House, describing the visit as the start of a new chapter in bilateral relations. Syria has recently joined an international coalition aimed at combating Islamic State remnants and has pledged cooperation with the United States.

Although Islamic State lost its last territorial stronghold in Syria in 2019, the group remains active. The United Nations estimates it still has between 5000 and 7000 fighters operating across Syria and Iraq. US troops have maintained a presence in Syria since 2015 to support local forces and prevent the group’s resurgence.

The latest attack underscores the fragile security environment and the continued danger posed by extremist networks, even years after their defeat on the battlefield.