WASHINGTON (AP) — The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack attributed to the Islamic State group in Syria have been identified. The U.S. Army confirmed they are Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown.
In remembrance of their ultimate sacrifice, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff, expressing gratitude for their service while lamenting their loss.
The Pentagon’s chief spokesman indicated that the attack also claimed the life of a civilian U.S. interpreter, while three additional Guard members sustained injuries, with two reported in stable condition and one in satisfactory health.
This attack occurred under tense circumstances for U.S.-Syria relations since the ousting of president Bashar Assad a year prior. The U.S. has been engaged in an expansion of cooperative efforts with Syrian security forces, especially given the ongoing fight against the Islamic State in eastern Syria.
Details surrounding the attack suggest a man infiltrated a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials, opening fire after a conflict with Syrian guards. The assailant had recently been assigned to security forces amid suspicions of his ties to the Islamic State.
President Donald Trump highlighted the attack over the weekend, asserting that "there will be very serious retaliation" and mentioned that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed devastation over the incident. This incident marks a significant challenge as both the U.S. and Syria navigate their post-Assad alliance.
The investigation into the attack continues as military officials assess the security situation in the region.
