[UPDATED — 12:12 p.m. ET]
Two U.S. service members and one American civilian were killed Saturday during an ambush carried out by the Islamic State group in central Syria, according to U.S. Central Command. Three additional individuals were wounded in the attack.
The assault marks the first time U.S. troops in Iraq have suffered casualties since the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad a year ago, underscoring the lingering instability in the region despite the leadership change in Damascus.
[ORIGINAL ARTICLE]
Incident Near Central Syrian Town
A joint patrol of U.S. and Syrian military personnel came under fire on Saturday while operating near the central Syrian town of Palmyra, according to Syrian state media and local officials.
An unidentified attacker opened fire on the convoy during the patrol. Syrian reports said the assailant was killed in the ensuing exchange of fire.
Casualties and Evacuation
Two Syrian soldiers were wounded in the attack, Syrian media reported. A U.S. official told Reuters that multiple American service members were also injured, with some sustaining critical wounds.
The wounded were evacuated by U.S. helicopters to the American military base at Al-Tanf, located near the borders of Iraq and Jordan.
U.S. Response
U.S. defense officials said they were aware of the incident but did not immediately comment on the details of the attack or the number of casualties.
Broader Context
U.S. forces remain deployed in Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the American-led mission aimed at countering the Islamic State and supporting regional stability. While ISIS lost its territorial caliphate in 2019, U.S. officials say remaining insurgent cells continue to threaten security in parts of Syria.
American troops in eastern Syria work with Kurdish-led and other coalition partners to prevent the group’s resurgence, conduct security operations and provide training and logistical support. In recent months, the Pentagon has reduced its military footprint in the country, consolidating bases and lowering troop levels while retaining strategic locations such as the Al-Tanf garrison near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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