Deadly ISIS Ambush Claims Lives of Three Americans in Syria

Mon Dec 15 2025 00:49:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A gunman from the Islamic State launched an ambush in Syria, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The attack, condemned by U.S. officials, raises concerns over the continued threat posed by ISIS as U.S. troops remain stationed in the region.

Three Americans, including two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State gunman in Syria. The attack, which injured three additional service members, occurred during a routine engagement in Palmyra. The U.S. and Syrian authorities have condemned the assault, emphasizing a commitment to countering ISIS.

Two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter have been killed in Syria in an ambush by an Islamic State (IS) gunman, the US Central Command (Centcom) has said.

Officials said three other service members were injured in the attack, during which the gunman was engaged and killed. Syria's state news reported that two Syrian service personnel were also injured.

US President Donald Trump described the incident as an ISIS attack and promised a very serious retaliation. The Syrian government has also condemned the attack.

The details of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their next of kin, according to Centcom.

In a post on social media, Centcom highlighted that the ambush was launched by a lone gunman affiliated with ISIS, as Pentagon officials indicated that initial assessments suggest the Islamic State group is responsible.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights identified the attacker as a member of the Syrian security forces.

While no group has claimed responsibility, the attack occurred in Palmyra, where the U.S. soldiers were involved in a key leader engagement.

This incident is under investigation. A Pentagon official noted that the attack happened in an area lacking control by the Syrian president.

Trump stated that the injured US soldiers are recovering well.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning: 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 Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the attack.

Tom Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey, described the ambush as a cowardly act, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to defeat terrorism alongside Syrian partners.

Despite prior gains against ISIS territories, the group remains active, with estimates suggesting between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters still operate in Syria and Iraq.

Since 2015, U.S. troops have been stationed in Syria to assist in training local forces as part of efforts to combat the threat posed by ISIS.