In a tragic escalation of Middle East tensions, two U.S. service members and one civilian were killed during an Islamic State (IS) ambush in central Syria on Saturday, December 13. Three additional troops were injured in the attack near Palmyra, according to U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).
🔍 The lone IS gunman was “engaged and killed,” officials confirmed, while withholding victims’ identities pending family notifications. The incident marks the first fatal attack on U.S. troops in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024.
💥 Former U.S. President Donald Trump vowed “very serious retaliation” via Truth Social, echoing current administration promises of a robust response. Syrian state media reported simultaneous injuries to two Syrian security personnel during the joint patrol operation.
🌍 This attack highlights ongoing instability in the region despite recent geopolitical shifts. Analysts warn of IS resurgence attempts as global attention remains divided between Ukraine and Asia-Pacific tensions.
