Today in Syria, a joint patrol of Syrian and United States forces was attacked near the central city of Palmyra, resulting in American and Syrian casualties. Officials say the attacker, believed to be linked to the Islamic State group, was killed at the scene.
Main incident near Palmyra
Reports from Syrian state media and U.S. military officials describe gunfire targeting a combined Syrian–U.S. patrol in or near Palmyra in central Homs province. The attack occurred during what was described as either a routine patrol or a meeting between Syrian and American officers at a local base.
According to U.S. Central Command and multiple news outlets, two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed, and at least three other U.S. personnel were wounded. Syrian sources also report that at least two members of the Syrian security forces were injured.
Suspected Islamic State role
U.S. and international reports attribute the ambush to a lone gunman associated with Islamic State (also called ISIL or ISIS). The attacker was described as acting alone and was shot and killed by security forces during or immediately after the assault.
Officials note that although Islamic State no longer holds territory in Syria, it continues to carry out sporadic attacks, especially in central and eastern regions like the area around Palmyra. The attack is being treated as part of ongoing counterterrorism dynamics rather than a return to large‑scale front‑line fighting.
Wider context today
This incident is being described as the first deadly attack on U.S. forces in Syria since the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al‑Assad and the installation of the current government. It comes amid continuing joint U.S.–Syrian operations against remaining Islamic State cells and broader efforts to stabilize the country after years of war.
U.S. political leaders, including President Donald Trump, have publicly condemned the killing of the three Americans and signaled that there may be some form of response, though details have not yet been announced. Military authorities say the situation is still developing and casualty figures or responsibility claims could be updated as investigations proceed.
