Two U.S. Soldiers and Interpreter Killed in Syria Ambush

UPDATE: Two U.S. soldiers and one civilian U.S. interpreter were killed in a deadly ambush in Palmyra, Syria on Saturday, according to U.S. officials. The attack, which appears to have been carried out by a likely ISIS gunman, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The ambush occurred during a crucial mission aimed at supporting counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism operations in the region. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the soldiers were engaged in a key leader engagement when they came under fire. The assailant was subsequently killed by “partner forces” during the skirmish.

Three other U.S. service members sustained injuries in the attack, which has been confirmed as the first combat deaths for U.S. forces in Syria since 2019, when four Americans were killed in a suicide bombing in Manbij. This incident raises pressing concerns regarding the security situation in areas where Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not maintain control.

The identities of the fallen soldiers have not been disclosed pending notifications to their next of kin. The Pentagon’s statement highlights the increasing dangers faced by U.S. military personnel in Syria, a region still rife with extremist threats.

This tragic event underscores the challenges of the U.S. mission in Syria, where a total of 10 U.S. military deaths have been recorded since operations began, including a mix of hostile and non-hostile incidents. The last recorded military fatality prior to this incident was a non-hostile death in February 2022.

As the situation develops, officials stress the importance of the ongoing efforts against ISIS and other terrorist groups in the region. The U.S. remains committed to its operations, despite the risks involved.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.