US Soldiers Killed in Syria Attack; President Trump Vows “Serious Retaliation”

New York, Dec 2025 : Two US soldiers and a civilian translator, part of the US campaign against the Islamic State, were killed in an attack in Syria on Saturday, while three other soldiers sustained injuries. President Donald Trump, responding to the incident, pledged “very serious retaliation” against those responsible.

The attack occurred in Palmyra, a region still plagued by terrorist activity and ongoing civil strife, and raises questions about US cooperation with the Syrian government that assumed power after President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December last year. It also challenges the authority of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, as reports indicate that the alleged attacker was a member of Damascus government forces. Trump acknowledged that the area was “not fully controlled” by al-Sharaa’s administration.

A Syrian government spokesperson, quoted by state news agency SANA, stated that the US had received warnings about security risks in Palmyra, but these warnings were reportedly not acted upon. According to the spokesperson, the attacker was “neutralised” following the assault.

This marks the first casualties of US personnel in Syria since the overthrow of al-Assad. The victims were part of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), the US-led mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS). Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the US personnel’s role as supporting “ongoing counter-ISIS/counter-terrorism operations” and said the attack occurred while the soldiers were conducting “a key leader engagement.”

Media reports confirmed that the attacker was associated with Syrian government forces. SANA further clarified that he “held no leadership role within Internal Security and was not an escort to the Internal Security Commander.” Investigators are examining his digital records to determine whether he had direct links to ISIS or merely adhered to extremist ideology, while also reviewing his network of acquaintances and relatives. The assailant was already under investigation for holding “extremist or takfiri views,” with a decision regarding his status expected on Sunday.

President Trump, who maintains diplomatic ties with al-Sharaa, noted that the attack took place in a “very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by” the Syrian government. He added that al-Sharaa is “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack.”

Al-Sharaa, a former member of al-Qaeda who had once been in US custody, is considered a reformed leader. Last month, he visited the White House as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with the United States, particularly in counterterrorism operations.

The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in Syria, highlighting the challenges faced by US forces in regions with incomplete governmental control. It also emphasizes the need for continued coordination between the US and Syrian authorities to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of personnel engaged in counterterrorism missions.

Trump’s administration is expected to respond decisively, reinforcing US commitments to its forces on the ground and sending a strong message to terrorist organizations in the region.

The attack in Palmyra serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by extremist groups, even in areas under nominal government oversight, and may influence ongoing US-Syria counterterrorism strategies moving forward.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)