The United States military has identified the two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in a weekend attack in Syria, an incident that has prompted vows of a forceful American retaliation against the Islamic State group, which is blamed for the assault.
Soldiers Remembered as Dedicated Servicemen
The fallen soldiers were named as Sgt Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. The Pentagon confirmed that a US civilian interpreter was also killed in the attack, which occurred on Saturday near the historic city of Palmyra in the Syrian desert.
The Iowa National Guard stated that three other Guard members were wounded. Two are reported in stable condition, with the third in good condition. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff in honour of the soldiers, expressing the state's profound gratitude for their service and mourning their loss.
Details of the Security Breach in Syria
The shooting represents a significant security breach during a period of expanding US cooperation with Syrian security forces. According to a Syrian interior ministry spokesperson, the assailant, who had joined Syria's internal security forces as a base guard two months prior, stormed a meeting where US and Syrian officials were having lunch.
The gunman opened fire after clashing with Syrian guards, wounding members of the Syrian security forces before being killed. A Syrian official noted the attacker had been recently reassigned amid suspicions of possible affiliation with Islamic State. Hundreds of American troops remain deployed in eastern Syria as part of the ongoing coalition mission against IS.
US Leadership Promises Forceful Response
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, offering prayers for their families and stating that the United States would "avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force." The promise of retaliation was echoed by former President Donald Trump, who told reporters at the White House that Islamic State would "be hit hard."
Trump also sought to absolve the Syrian government of blame for the incident, stating the attack occurred in an area they "don't have much control over" and that President Ahmad al-Sharaa felt "very badly about it."
Back in Iowa, the soldiers were remembered by their community and family. Stephen Osborn, the state's adjutant general, called them "cherished members" of the Guard family. Torres-Tovar was recalled for his selflessness by a childhood friend, while Howard's stepfather said the soldier had dreamed of serving since boyhood and "loved what he was doing." The US Army is investigating the incident.
