Two U.S. Army soldiers were killed in a deadly ambush in Syria on December 13, 2025. The soldiers have been identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, both from Iowa. They were members of the Iowa National Guard.
Details of the Incident
The ambush occurred in Palmyra, Syria while the soldiers were engaged with hostile forces. A civilian American interpreter was also killed during this attack, which was attributed to a single ISIS gunman. Three other Iowa National Guard members sustained injuries in the assault.
Government Response
President Donald Trump responded swiftly, declaring his intention to retaliate against those responsible. In a statement made during a White House Christmas reception, he expressed his sorrow for the “three great patriots terminated by bad people,” and clarified that ISIS was the aggressor, not the Syrian government.
Background Context
- Syria Relations: The attack comes amid efforts by Damascus to strengthen ties with the U.S. after significant political changes in the region.
- Military Mission: U.S. troops have been stationed in Syria for several years, primarily to train local forces in the fight against ISIS.
Operations and Deployments
The Pentagon confirmed that the soldiers’ mission supported ongoing counter-ISIS operations in the region. Approximately 1,800 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers have been deployed to the Middle East since late May as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, aimed at defeating ISIS.
Community Reactions
In a heartfelt tribute, Nathaniel Howard’s father, Jeffrey Bunn, expressed his grief on social media. He honored his son’s sacrifice, stating, “Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.” He urged others to pray for all soldiers serving worldwide.
Investigations Underway
In response to the ambush, Syrian authorities reported the arrest of five suspects connected to the attack. These individuals have been placed under investigation by Syria’s Interior Ministry.
This tragic event marks one of the deadliest incidents involving U.S. personnel in Syria, recalling similar attacks, including a 2019 blast that resulted in multiple fatalities among U.S. service members and civilians.
