US Soldiers Killed in Syria: Attacker Had Known Extremist Ties, Officials Reveal

Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria on Saturday. The attack happened in the town of Palmyra. American troops were conducting a meeting with local leaders at the time.

Central Command confirmed the shooting. Three additional US service members were wounded. Syrian media reported two of their own forces were also injured.

Details Emerge on Gunman and Response

The gunman opened fire on a joint US-Syrian convoy. According to Reuters, a senior US official said Islamic State was likely behind the attack. The group has not officially claimed responsibility.

American helicopters evacuated the wounded. They were taken to a US base near the Iraqi border. The attacker was later killed by responding partner forces.

Syrian authorities provided crucial details. Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine el-Baba spoke on Al-Ikhbariya TV. He said an evaluation on December 10 flagged the attacker for potentially holding extremist ideas.

“A decision regarding him was due to be issued tomorrow, on Sunday,” Baba stated. He confirmed the gunman was a member of Syrian security forces. He was not in a leadership role.

Broader Implications and Official Reactions

The area where the attack occurred is outside full Syrian government control. This complicates security and coordination. Baba claimed Syrian officials had warned of an Islamic State threat in the region beforehand.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said allied troops neutralized the lone gunman. Central Command said the identities of the fallen will be released after family notifications. The investigation into direct terrorist ties continues.

President Donald Trump addressed the attack on Truth Social. He called the victims “Great American Patriots” and confirmed the wounded soldiers are doing well. He stated there would be “very serious retaliation” for the incident.

This deadly attack underscores the persistent dangers US troops face in Syria. The revelation of the attacker’s known extremist ideas raises serious questions. The security situation in central Syria remains highly volatile.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Where exactly did the attack in Syria happen?

The attack occurred in the town of Palmyra in central Syria. This area is not fully controlled by the Syrian government. US troops were there for a key leader engagement.

Who was responsible for the attack?

Initial US intelligence suggests Islamic State (IS) was likely behind it. The Syrian government says the gunman was a security force member who had been flagged for extremist ideas. A direct link to IS is still being determined.

How many casualties were there?

Two US Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter were killed. Three other US soldiers were wounded. Syrian state media reported two Syrian service members were also injured.

What has the US response been?

US and partner forces killed the attacker at the scene. President Trump vowed “very serious retaliation.” The wounded were evacuated to a US base for treatment.

Was the attacker known to authorities?

Yes. Syrian officials stated the gunman was evaluated days before the attack over extremist ideas. A formal decision on his status was pending at the time of the shooting.