Military · National Security Commentary
President Donald Trump issued a forceful condemnation Saturday following a deadly ISIS ambush in Syria that claimed the lives of two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter, reaffirming that attacks on American personnel will not go unanswered.
The ambush, confirmed by the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command, occurred in the central Syrian city of Palmyra, a region that remains volatile and only partially under government control. Three additional U.S. service members were wounded in the attack and are currently recovering, officials said.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump described the fallen as “Great American Patriots” and vowed that those responsible would face serious retaliation.
‘We Mourn the Loss of Three Great Patriots’
“We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria — two soldiers and one civilian interpreter,” Trump wrote. “Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well.”
Trump emphasized that the attack was a deliberate act of terrorism carried out by ISIS in a dangerous region where extremist elements continue to operate despite years of counterterrorism efforts.
“This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria that is not fully controlled,” Trump said, adding that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
“There will be very serious retaliation,” Trump warned.
Ambush During Counter-ISIS Mission
Pentagon officials confirmed that the Americans were conducting operations in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counterterrorism missions at the time of the attack.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the incident was a targeted ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Palmyra.
“U.S. Central Command assesses that the deaths and injuries were the result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria,” Parnell said.
Officials stated that the service members were engaged in a mission designed to disrupt extremist networks and prevent ISIS from reestablishing a foothold in the region.
Trump Speaks to Reporters: ‘It Was an Ambush’
While traveling to the annual Army-Navy football game on Saturday, Trump spoke briefly with reporters about the attack, describing it as sudden and brutal.
“So, we mourn the loss of three great patriots,” Trump said. “You know how it happened. It was an ambush. Terrible.”
Trump confirmed that three additional U.S. personnel were wounded but said their condition was improving.
“We also have three wounded. They seem to be doing pretty well,” he said. “But we mourn the loss.”
Syrian Cooperation Acknowledged
Trump also noted that the Syrian government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter-ISIS efforts and was shaken by the attack.
“This was an ISIS attack on us and Syria,” Trump said. “And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.”
U.S. officials have long warned that although ISIS no longer controls large swaths of territory, it remains capable of small-scale, high-impact attacks, particularly in remote or unstable regions.
Retaliation Confirmed
When asked directly whether the United States would retaliate against ISIS, Trump’s response was unequivocal.
“Yeah, we will and will,” Trump said. “We will retaliate.”
While the administration did not provide details about the nature or timing of any military response, officials emphasized that operational specifics would not be discussed publicly.
Attacker Neutralized by Partner Forces
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth later confirmed that the individual responsible for the ambush had been killed.
“The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces,” Hegseth said in a statement.
He issued a stark warning to terrorist groups worldwide.
“If you target Americans anywhere in the world, you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,” Hegseth said.
ISIS Remains a Persistent Threat
Defense analysts note that ISIS has increasingly relied on lone-actor attacks and ambush tactics as it seeks to maintain relevance following the collapse of its territorial “caliphate.”
Palmyra, located in central Syria, has long been a flashpoint due to its strategic location and history of extremist activity. Despite international efforts, the region remains vulnerable to insurgent violence.
Military leaders have repeatedly warned that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent ISIS from regrouping.
Honoring the Fallen
The names of the fallen soldiers and identifying information about their units are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification, in accordance with military protocol.
Lawmakers from both parties issued statements expressing condolences and gratitude for the service members’ sacrifice.
“These brave Americans gave their lives in defense of our nation and our allies,” one senior defense official said. “Their courage and dedication will not be forgotten.”
A Moment of Mourning — and Resolve
The attack has reignited debate over the U.S. military presence in Syria and the risks faced by service members deployed in hostile regions. Supporters of continued operations argue that preventing ISIS from resurging is essential to long-term global security.
Trump has consistently maintained that abandoning counterterrorism efforts prematurely would create power vacuums that extremist groups would quickly exploit.
The Road Ahead
As investigations continue and the wounded recover, the administration’s focus remains on honoring the fallen, supporting their families, and ensuring accountability for the attack.
Trump’s message was clear: the United States will defend its service members and respond decisively to acts of terror.
For now, the nation pauses to remember those lost — and to recognize that the fight against terrorism, while diminished, is not over.