President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response following the killing of three Americans in a deadly ambush carried out by an ISIS-linked gunman in Syria.
The attack occurred on Saturday in the historic city of Palmyra, where a joint U.S. and Syrian convoy was operating as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts against remnants of the Islamic State group.
According to U.S. defence officials, two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter were shot and killed, while three other U.S. troops sustained injuries.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, President Trump described the victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that the wounded soldiers were receiving medical care and were in stable condition.
He characterised the incident as a direct ISIS attack targeting both U.S. and Syrian forces in a volatile area not fully under government control.
Trump also said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the attack, adding that “very serious retaliation” would follow.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that the soldiers were in Palmyra to conduct what was described as a “key leader engagement” linked to counter-ISIS operations. The names and unit details of the fallen troops are being withheld pending full notification of their families.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the attacker was neutralised by allied forces shortly after the incident.
He warned that anyone targeting Americans abroad would face decisive consequences, underscoring Washington’s commitment to protecting its personnel overseas.
The injured troops were evacuated by helicopter to the U.S. military’s Tanf garrison near the borders of Iraq and Jordan for treatment.
Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a lone gunman opened fire at the entrance of a military post.
Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the attacker was a confirmed ISIS operative or an individual inspired by the group’s ideology. Authorities also dismissed claims suggesting the assailant was affiliated with Syrian security forces.
Although ISIS lost its territorial stronghold in Syria in 2019, U.S. and regional officials have repeatedly warned that sleeper cells remain active. The United States currently maintains hundreds of troops in eastern Syria as part of an international coalition focused on preventing the group’s resurgence.
Investigations into the Palmyra attack are ongoing as U.S. and Syrian authorities assess next steps.
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