U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States will “retaliate” after an alleged Islamic State gunman ambushed a joint U.S.–Syrian patrol in central Syria, killing two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. “We will retaliate,” Trump told reporters outside the White House, later adding on Truth Social that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack”
The assault, which occurred near the ancient city of Palmyra on December 13, also left three other U.S. service members wounded; officials say they are now recovering. The lone attacker was killed by U.S. and partner forces
Trump honored the fallen as “three great patriots” and warned that the United States would pursue “very serious retaliation” against those responsible. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the threat on X, saying anyone who targets Americans will be hunted and killed 
The incident marks the first U.S. fatalities in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad a year ago. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the ambush and said the attack is under active investigation, with the identities of the dead withheld until families are notified
The United States currently has about 900 troops stationed in Syria as part of the ongoing campaign against ISIS remnants
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