A deadly attack on a joint US–Syrian patrol near Palmyra in central Syria on Saturday, December 13, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two US Army soldiers and one American civilian interpreter, officials confirmed. Three additional US service members and Syrian security personnel were wounded in the assault, which authorities have attributed to the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the incident as an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, who was subsequently engaged and killed by partner forces at the scene. Pentagon officials said the patrol was conducting a key leader engagement and counter-terrorism operations at the time of the attack.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters and on social media, condemned the violence and vowed “very serious retaliation” against those responsible. He reiterated America’s commitment to defeating extremist threats and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen. Trump also noted the continued cooperation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, despite the security challenges in areas not fully controlled by Damascus.

The ambush marks the first deadly incident against US forces in Syria since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year, a development that has reshaped alliances and security cooperation in the region. Syrian state media reported that several troops from both countries were injured and that the wounded were evacuated by helicopter to a US base in Al-Tanf near the Iraqi border.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s statements, condemning the attack and warning that those who target American personnel “will know the United States will hunt you.” US officials confirmed identities of the slain personnel will be withheld until next-of-kin notifications are complete.

The incident underscores the persistence of ISIS sleeper cells in Syria, even after the group lost its territorial caliphate, and highlights the fragile security environment amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Analysts say the attack could complicate efforts to stabilise the country and deepen cooperation between the US-led coalition and Syrian authorities.