Background and Context
On Saturday, two US soldiers and one civilian were killed in a sniper ambush by the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, according to a statement from the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM).
The civilian fatality was identified as a US interpreter by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. Three additional US soldiers sustained injuries during this attack, as reported by CENTCOM.
Who are the Victims?
The identities of the fallen soldiers have not been disclosed yet, pending notification to their families. The incident marks the first of its kind in Syria since a year ago, when an Islamist coalition allied with the US took power.
The Incident
According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, the shooting targeted a delegation during a visit to the arid Palmyra region.
The US contingent was in Palmyra to support ongoing operations against IS and counterterrorism efforts in the region, confirmed Parnell.
Syrian Interior Ministry Warnings
The Syrian Interior Ministry had reportedly warned the US-led coalition about a possible infiltration by IS fighters in the desert region, stated Anwar al Baba, a ministry spokesperson in an interview with state television.
However, the coalition forces did not heed these Syrian warnings regarding potential IS infiltration, according to al Baba.
US Response
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the attacker as “savage” and issued a stern warning:
“If you aim at US personnel—anywhere in the world—the remainder of your life will be short and stressful, knowing that the US will hunt you down, find you, and kill you without mercy.”
Historical Context of IS in Palmyra
Before being ousted by an international coalition in 2019, the Islamic State had controlled the Palmyra region. Despite their defeat, IS fighters, now hiding in Syria’s vast deserts, continue to carry out sporadic attacks.
During the interim Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Washington last month, Damascus joined the US-led international coalition against IS.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the victims? The identities of the fallen soldiers have not been disclosed yet, pending notification to their families.
- What was the nature of the attack? The incident involved a sniper ambush targeting a US delegation in the Palmyra region of Syria.
- Were there any warnings prior to the attack? Yes, the Syrian Interior Ministry reportedly warned the US-led coalition about a possible IS infiltration, but these warnings were not heeded.
- What was the US response? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed retaliation against the perpetrators, issuing a stern warning.
- What is the history of IS in Palmyra? The Islamic State had previously controlled Palmyra before being defeated by an international coalition in 2019. Although vanquished, remnants of IS continue to conduct sporadic attacks from hiding places in Syria’s deserts.
