U.S. Military Action Initiated in Syria
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed the commencement of a military campaign in Syria aimed at destroying ISIS combatants, their facilities, and arms depots. This response comes after an assault that resulted in the fatalities of three American individuals.
"This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people," Hegseth stated in a Friday social media announcement.
Details of the Fatal Incident
On December 13, an attack in the Syrian desert claimed the lives of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter. The Trump administration attributes this violence to the Islamic State group. These service members were part of the U.S. contingent stationed in eastern Syria as allies in the fight against IS.
President Donald Trump quickly promised "very serious retaliation" for the losses, while acknowledging that Syrian forces are collaborating with American troops. He mentioned that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was "extremely angry and disturbed by this attack." This incident occurred as U.S. military coordination with Syrian security forces is increasing.
Strikes Target ISIS Locations
Reports from Syrian state television indicate that airstrikes have impacted areas in the Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, as well as near Palmyra in the Jabal al-Amour region. The strikes focused on "weapons storage sites and headquarters used by ISIS as launching points for its operations in the region."
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously about confidential operations, informed The Associated Press that the attack utilized F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The official added that additional strikes are anticipated.
White House Confirms Retaliation
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly affirmed in a statement, "President Trump told the world that the United States would retaliate for the killing of our heroes by ISIS in Syria, and he is delivering on that promise."
Earlier this week, President Trump met privately with the families of the deceased Americans at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. He then participated in the dignified transfer ceremony, a respectful tradition for honoring fallen service members.
Identities of the Victims
The U.S. Army identified the National Guard members killed as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter from Macomb, Michigan, also lost his life in the attack.
Background on the Assailant
The shooting incident near Palmyra, which also injured three other U.S. troops and Syrian security personnel, involved a gunman who was subsequently killed. According to Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba, the attacker had been serving as a base security guard with Syria's internal security forces for two months. He was recently reassigned due to concerns about potential IS affiliations.
The assailant forced his way into a meeting where U.S. and Syrian security officials were dining together and began firing after a confrontation with Syrian guards.
