The United States military has identified the two soldiers killed in a weekend attack in Syria as members of the Iowa National Guard. The Pentagon confirmed the deaths of Sgt Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown.
Details of the Deadly Incident
The attack occurred on Saturday in the Syrian desert near the historic city of Palmyra. According to Syrian officials, a gunman who had recently joined the country's internal security forces stormed a meeting where US and Syrian officials were having lunch. The assailant opened fire after clashing with Syrian guards and was subsequently killed.
A Syrian interior ministry spokesperson described the event as "a major security breach". The assailant had been reassigned amid suspicions of possible affiliation with the Islamic State (IS) group.
In addition to the two soldiers killed, a US civilian interpreter also lost their life. The Iowa National Guard stated that three other Guard members were wounded, with two in stable condition and the other in good condition.
US Response and Tributes Paid
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating the nation's hearts go out to their families. He vowed that "The United States of America will avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force."
Former President Donald Trump reiterated a promise of retaliation, telling reporters at the White House that IS will "be hit hard". He also offered support for the Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, suggesting the Syrian government was not to blame for the incident in an area it "really don't have much control over."
In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in the state to fly at half-staff in honour of the soldiers, praising their service and mourning their loss.
Remembering the Fallen Soldiers
The Iowa National Guard's adjutant general, Stephen Osborn, remembered Torres-Tovar and Howard as "cherished members" of their military family, pledging unwavering support for their families.
Torres-Tovar was recalled for his selflessness by childhood friend and fellow soldier Luis Corona. Howard's stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, said the 29-year-old had wanted to be a soldier since boyhood and "loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out."
The attack presents a significant challenge to the ongoing US military cooperation with Syrian security forces in the fight against IS, where hundreds of American troops remain deployed in eastern Syria. An investigation into the incident is underway.
