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

Overview

• CENTCOM confirmed two soldiers and an American civilian interpreter were killed in Palmira, with three U.S. troops and two Syrian security personnel wounded.
• Officials said a lone gunman carried out the attack and was killed, while Syria’s Interior Ministry claims he was a General Security member under scrutiny for extremist views and says 11 colleagues were detained.
• Pentagon officials assess the attack was likely linked to ISIS, though no group has claimed responsibility.
• President Donald Trump vowed a “very serious” retaliation, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning to anyone targeting Americans.
• U.S. helicopters evacuated the wounded to the al‑Tanf base, and officials say the shooting occurred outside areas the Syrian government effectively controls and remains under investigation.