A tragic assault by an alleged Islamic State (ISIS) militant in Palmyra, Syria, resulted in the deaths of three Americans—two soldiers and a civilian interpreter—and left three others wounded. Following this incident, President Donald Trump pledged "severe retaliation."
As confirmed by a statement from the Pentagon's Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack occurred while U.S. and Syrian forces were engaged in a "key leader event" as part of international coalition counter-terrorism operations.
The assailant, reportedly acting alone, was neutralized by "friendly forces" at the scene.
"We mourn the loss of three great patriots in Syria (...). Our thoughts are with the three injured soldiers who are receiving care and are in stable condition. This was an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria, and there will be serious consequences," President Donald J. Trump stated on his official X account.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that allied Syrian forces took down the attacker and issued a stern warning to any terrorist groups targeting Americans.
"If you strike Americans, anywhere in the world, you will spend the rest of your short and painful life knowing that the United States will find you and eliminate you mercilessly," warned Hegseth.
The injured were airlifted to the U.S. military base in Al Tanf, near the Iraqi border, a strategic facility for the international coalition's counterterrorism operations.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, extended his condolences to the victims' families and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the anti-terrorism fight alongside its Syrian allies.
"We mourn the loss of three courageous individuals and wish a swift recovery to the injured. We remain dedicated to the total defeat of terrorism," he stated.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who visited the White House a month ago, also condemned the attack and expressed his "deep outrage," according to the state agency SANA.
This attack comes at a particularly sensitive time, just weeks after Al Sharaa's historic visit to Washington, where both nations signed a political cooperation agreement to combat ISIS, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations after years of antagonism.
Al Sharaa's visit to the U.S. capital formalized Syria's participation in the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
Washington has maintained a military presence in the northeast of the Arab nation for over a decade, aiming to prevent the resurgence of terrorism and support local Kurdish forces.
The military cooperation between the two governments—until recently adversaries—has strengthened over recent months, yet the attack tests this fragile alliance.
In response, Damascus has intensified its internal operations against ISIS cells, arresting over 70 suspects in recent weeks.
Key Questions About the Recent Attack in Syria
What prompted President Trump to vow severe retaliation?
President Trump promised severe retaliation following the deaths of three Americans in a terrorist attack by an ISIS militant in Syria.
How did the U.S. military respond to the attack in Syria?
Allied Syrian forces responded by neutralizing the lone attacker at the scene, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense.
What actions has Syria taken following the attack?
In response to the attack, Syria has intensified its operations against ISIS cells, resulting in the arrest of over 70 suspects in recent weeks.