Two Iowa National Guard Soldiers, U.S. Interpreter Killed in Palmyra ISIS Ambush — Attack Marks Deadliest U.S. Loss in Syria in Over a Year
Two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed and three soldiers wounded in an ambush by a lone attacker near a military post in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025, officials said.
- Deadliest U.S. loss in Syria in over a year — two Iowa Guard soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter killed during a key leader engagement.
- Attack details — a lone gunman with an automatic weapon opened fire at a post gate; attacker was killed during the incident.
- Wounded and evacuated — three additional Iowa soldiers wounded; two critically but stable and evacuated to Amman, Jordan.
- Investigations ongoing — military and civilian authorities reviewing force protection, intelligence and possible external support for the attacker.
Details of the attack
Officials say the shooting occurred near a military post gate in the historic city of Palmyra while U.S. and partner forces were conducting a key leader engagement as part of advisory operations under Operation Inherent Resolve. State reporting and the governor’s office described the incident as an ambush in which a lone attacker opened fire with an automatic weapon and was later killed during the encounter.
Details released by the Governor’s office and local outlets such as The Gazette indicate the assault began at or near the post gate during the engagement and remains the subject of ongoing military and civilian investigation.
Casualties and medical response
The incident claimed the lives of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter. Officials withheld the victims’ names pending next-of-kin notifications, with a scheduled public release 24 hours after notifications are complete, per the Governor’s office.
Three additional Iowa soldiers were wounded. Two were reported with significant injuries — described as critical but stable — and were evacuated to a hospital at an air base in Amman, Jordan; the third sustained superficial wounds and returned to base after treatment. Medical privacy rules prevented release of names. Reporting included statements from Western Iowa Today and the Governor’s office.
Official statements and reactions
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called for solidarity and prayers: “Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of our soldiers killed in action. I ask that all Iowans stand united in supporting them… Please pray also for the fast and full recovery of our wounded soldiers.” Her office released initial details in a public statement (Governor’s office).
Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, Iowa National Guard adjutant general: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of two of our own. Our priority right now is supporting the families… Our soldiers were doing their job: serving with courage, dedication and professionalism.”
President Donald Trump posted on social media identifying the attack as an ISIS incident and vowing “very serious retaliation,” noting the wounded “seem to be doing pretty well.” The White House had not issued a formal strategy statement at the time of initial reporting; U.S. military and diplomatic officials said they were reviewing the incident and would respond as appropriate. Coverage cited WHO Radio and K FAB reporting.
Deployment context and background
Approximately 1,800 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard deployed to the Middle East in late May 2025 for a yearlong deployment. Their mission included advising, assisting and enabling partner forces in Iraq and Syria under Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition effort to defeat ISIS and prevent a resurgence.
Although ISIS lost territorial control in 2019, U.S. and U.N. officials have repeatedly warned that the group retains sleeper networks and can conduct lethal attacks via small cells or lone actors. U.S. forces in Syria operate in a complex environment with partner units and face elevated risks during routine advisory engagements that bring advisers into proximity with local leaders and communities.
Investigative questions
Military and civilian authorities are pursuing several lines of inquiry:
- How the attacker was able to approach the post gate with an automatic weapon and whether site access controls were bypassed.
- Whether intelligence warnings existed and if they were shared and acted upon prior to the engagement.
- What force protection measures were in place for the key leader engagement and whether those policies will be revised going forward.
U.S. commanders typically review rules of engagement, force protection posture and local coordination after any lethal event; officials said the incident remained under investigation in coordination with the Department of Defense and CENTCOM.
Media coverage and public information
News conferences were held at the Iowa National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Johnston, where Governor Reynolds and Maj. Gen. Osborn spoke. Video and statements were made available by local outlets, including WHO13 and other posted footage (video, video).
Reporting so far draws on state and National Guard statements. U.S. Central Command and Department of Defense spokespeople acknowledged the incident; further military briefings and detailed investigative summaries are expected as next-of-kin notifications conclude.
Implications for Utah
Economic and personnel impact: Utah’s sizeable Guard and Reserve population shares ties with Midwest units and military families across the Mountain West. Communities and employers in Utah should be prepared for coordination with military family support services and potential increases in mobilization needs.
Political consequences: For conservative Utah audiences prioritizing national defense, the attack may intensify calls for decisive action against ISIS remnants, enhanced force protection and clearer mission mandates. The president’s vow of “very serious retaliation” will be closely watched by policymakers.
Social and cultural effects: Funerals, memorials and vigils in Iowa are likely to draw solidarity from the Mountain West, including Utah. Churches, veterans’ groups and civic organizations typically mobilize to support Gold Star families through drives, counseling and expanded services.
Practical advice: Utah residents with family in the Guard should verify unit communications and update next-of-kin contacts. Employers relying on Guard personnel should review HR contingencies. Local planners and elected officials should coordinate with state Guard liaisons for rapid family support.
Source list
- Governor of Iowa press release
- Western Iowa Today
- The Gazette
- WHO Radio / iHeart coverage
- KFAB / iHeart coverage
- WHO13 video
- Additional video
- Additional video
Reporting by Times Media Service from Syrian site reporting and U.S. state and local officials; official investigations and military summaries pending.
