Trump vows retaliation after ISIS-linked attack kills three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has vowed a forceful retaliation following the killing of three American personnel in Syria by a suspected Islamic State operative.
The victims include two United States Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter who were attacked while accompanying a joint convoy of U.S. and Syrian forces.
The U.S. military confirmed that three additional American troops sustained injuries during the incident.
According to U.S. Central Command, the attack occurred as the team was engaged in a high-level operational meeting in the historic city of Palmyra, located in central Syria.
A lone gunman opened fire on the convoy before being neutralised by allied forces at the scene.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds later identified the two fallen soldiers as members of the Iowa National Guard.
Reacting to the development, President Trump said the United States would not allow the attack to go unanswered, warning of decisive retaliation.
“There will be very serious consequences,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The incident comes at a time when Washington and Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, are exploring improved diplomatic and security cooperation following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad.
Since the political transition, both countries have coordinated limited counterterrorism efforts, which Trump noted would play a role in shaping the U.S. response.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that partner forces eliminated the attacker, while a senior American official said preliminary intelligence strongly suggests the Islamic State was responsible.
The attack reportedly took place in a region outside the control of the Syrian government.
Although Islamic State has yet to formally claim responsibility, U.S. authorities said investigations are ongoing.
The identities of the deceased soldiers are being withheld pending full notification of their families, in line with military protocol.
Trump vows retaliation after ISIS-linked attack kills three Americans in Syria