US-Syrian forces in Palmyra
US and Syrian forces recently conducted a joint patrol near Palmyra in central Syria, which came under attack by a suspected ISIL gunman.
The ambush occurred on December 13, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two US soldiers and one US civilian interpreter, with three additional US personnel and at least two Syrian soldiers injured. US Central Command confirmed the lone attacker was killed by allied forces during a key counter-ISIS engagement.
President Donald Trump vowed “serious retaliation” against ISIL, noting coordination with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Defense officials emphasized ongoing counter-terrorism operations, with the injured evacuated by helicopter to Al-Tanf base.
This marks the first fatal attack on US forces in Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s fall a year ago, amid persistent ISIL threats despite no territorial control. About 2,000 US troops remain in Syria supporting anti-ISIS efforts.
