U.S. Service Members and Civilian Killed in Syria Ambush

Two U.S. service members and one American civilian were killed in an ambush by the Islamic State group in central Syria on March 16, 2024. The attack also left three others injured, marking the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel since the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad a year ago, according to U.S. Central Command.

The incident occurred near Palmyra during a visit by American troops to the historic site. Reports indicate that shots were fired at U.S. and Syrian forces, resulting in casualties among both groups. The wounded were evacuated via helicopter to the al-Tanf garrison, located near the borders of Iraq and Jordan. Central Command stated that the identities of the deceased service members would remain undisclosed until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

Details of the Attack and Response

Syria’s state media outlet, SANA, reported that two members of Syria’s security forces were also among the injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in the UK, corroborated these claims, stating that at least three Syrian security personnel and several U.S. service members were wounded. The identity of the attacker, who was reportedly killed during the engagement, has not been released.

A U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed awareness of the situation but did not provide additional details immediately. The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by U.S. troops stationed in Syria, where they remain actively engaged in combating the Islamic State group despite its territorial defeat in 2019.

Broader Context of U.S. Presence in Syria

The U.S. maintains a military presence in eastern Syria as part of a coalition aimed at defeating the Islamic State. Recent developments have seen Syria improving its relations with Western nations following the fall of the Assad regime. Last month, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa made a landmark visit to Washington, D.C., for discussions with President Donald Trump.

Despite the official defeat of the Islamic State group, the United Nations estimates that between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters from the organization remain active in Syria and Iraq, often operating through sleeper cells. U.S. forces have been targeted in past incidents, including a deadly attack in 2019 in the northern town of Manbij, which resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and two American civilians.

The continuing volatility in the region underscores the challenges faced by coalition forces as they work to stabilize the area and prevent the resurgence of extremist groups. As U.S. military personnel remain deployed in Syria, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in their mission.