ISIS Ambush Kills Two U.S. Soldiers, One Interpreter in Syria

URGENT UPDATE: Two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter were killed on October 21, 2023, in a shocking ambush by an Islamic State gunman in central Syria. The attack, which also left three other American service members injured, occurred near the historic city of Palmyra.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the tragic news, stating that the attacker was “neutralized” during the confrontation. CENTCOM reported, “Two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria.” The identities of the victims are being withheld for 24 hours to notify their next of kin.

The civilian victim was identified as an interpreter working alongside the troops, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those aiding U.S. military operations. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning 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 disclosed that the attack occurred while the soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement to support ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations in the region. The wounded service members were promptly evacuated by helicopter to the Al-Tanf garrison, an American base situated near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan.

This incident marks the first American casualties in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad a year ago. Following this event, diplomatic relations have seen improvements between the United States and the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who recently visited Washington.

Despite being declared defeated on the battlefield in 2019, the Islamic State continues to pose a significant threat in the region. The United Nations estimates that the terror group still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq, primarily operating through sleeper cells.

As developments unfold, the military community and the nation mourn the loss of these brave individuals. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated as the threat of ISIS remains ever-present.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the implications for U.S. military operations in the region.