Syria: ISIL attack kills 3 US citizens, Trump vows retaliation
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has vowed "serious retaliation" against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) after a deadly ambush in central Syria. According to Al Jazeera, the attack killed two American service members and one civilian interpreter, marking the first such incident since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's ouster a year ago. Three other US military personnel were injured in the attack, along with at least two Syrian soldiers, the Syrian government said.
Official response
Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth promise retaliation
In a social media post, Trump confirmed that the injured soldiers were "doing well" but warned of serious consequences for the attack. He described it as an ISIL assault on both the US and Syria in a dangerous area not fully controlled by them. "The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation," he wrote.
Attack details
Attack described as 'cowardly terrorist ambush'
The attack occurred near Palmyra in Syria's central Homs region during a key leader engagement by US forces. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that the soldiers were on a mission supporting counter-ISIS operations. Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkiye, called it a "cowardly terrorist ambush targeting a joint US-Syrian government patrol." He also wished for the speedy recovery of wounded Syrian troops.
Ongoing investigation
Suspect's identity remains unclear
The US government has not disclosed the names of the fallen soldiers or their units until their next of kin are notified. The incident is under active investigation by the US Department of Defense. A spokesperson for Syria's Interior Ministry said that the attacker did not hold a leadership position in security forces and was being evaluated for extremist ideas.
Intensified efforts
US officials pledge to intensify fight against ISIL
In the wake of the attack, US officials have pledged to intensify their fight against ISIL in Syria. Ambassador Barrack wrote on social media that they will "relentlessly pursue" those involved in this heinous act. The US has been working with a Kurdish-led force in northeastern Syria for over a decade to combat ISIL. Despite being defeated in 2018, ISIL continues to carry out sporadic attacks without controlling territory inside Syria.