Two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed Saturday in an ambush by an ISIS gunman in Palmyra, central Syria, U.S. Central Command said. Three additional service members were wounded. U.S. officials said the attacker was subsequently killed by partner forces.
A Pentagon spokesman said the shooting took place “as the soldiers were concluding a key leader engagement,” and that the mission was part of U.S. efforts to support counterterrorism operations in the region. Central Command added that since October its forces have “advised, assisted, and enabled” more than 22 partner operations against ISIS in Syria, resulting in five ISIS members killed and 19 captured.
A U.S. defense official condemned the attack and warned that those who target Americans will be pursued and held accountable. President Trump posted on Truth Social expressing anger over the incident and warning of “very serious retaliation.”
U.S. Central Command said the incident is under investigation. Three wounded service members were evacuated; their conditions were not immediately released.
This is a developing story and details may be updated as more information becomes available.