Three Americans were killed on Saturday after an Islamic State gunman opened fire on a US military engagement in central Syria, according to the Pentagon. The victims included two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter working alongside American forces. Three additional service members were wounded during the incident.

US Central Command said the attack occurred in Palmyra, northeast of Damascus, a region that has remained unstable despite recent political changes in Syria. Officials described the incident as a targeted ambush carried out by a lone attacker.

The identities of those killed have not yet been released, as families are still being notified.

White House vows retaliation

President Donald Trump said the United States would respond forcefully to the attack. Writing on Truth Social, he confirmed that the wounded troops were in stable condition and praised those killed for their service.

“This was an ISIS attack against the United States in a very dangerous area of Syria,” the president said, according to White House transcripts. He added that Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa was deeply disturbed by the incident and had expressed anger over the violence.

Speaking briefly to reporters before departing for the annual Army Navy football game, Mr. Trump described the victims as “three great patriots” and said accountability would follow.

Iowa National Guard soldiers among the dead

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds confirmed that the two soldiers killed were members of the Iowa Army National Guard. She said their names are expected to be released on Sunday, once next of kin have been fully informed.

According to the Pentagon, US troops were conducting what officials described as a key leader engagement as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations when the shooting began.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the attacker was later confronted and killed by US partner forces operating in the area.

Defense officials issue warning

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a sharp warning following the incident. In a statement posted on X, he said any group targeting Americans abroad should expect relentless pursuit.

National security analysts say such language signals a continued hard line against ISIS remnants in Syria. According to regional security experts, the group has increasingly relied on lone actor attacks as its territorial control has diminished.

Broader implications for Syria policy

The United States maintains fewer than 1,000 troops in Syria, primarily focused on counterterrorism missions and preventing an ISIS resurgence. However, Saturday’s attack may complicate Washington’s evolving relationship with Damascus.

President al Sharaa, who assumed power last year after the removal of longtime leader Bashar Assad, has sought closer ties with the United States. He visited the White House last month in an effort to reset relations.

Meanwhile, some US lawmakers and security analysts continue to raise concerns about al Sharaa’s past associations with extremist groups, including al Qaeda. According to defense analysts, the latest attack underscores the fragile security environment US forces still face in the region.

As investigations continue, Pentagon officials say force protection measures are being reviewed, while the ad

ministration weighs its next steps.