Iowa Guard Soldiers Killed in Syria Attack Near Palmyra

On Saturday, a shooting in the Syrian desert near Palmyra claimed the lives of two Iowa National Guard soldiers. The attack, which also killed a U.S. civilian interpreter, was blamed by U.S. military officials and President Donald Trump on a member of the Islamic State. The incident came as U.S. forces deepen cooperation with Syrian security forces, with hundreds of troops stationed in eastern Syria to fight ISIS.

The Attack

The gunman, a former base security guard with Syria’s internal security forces, had joined the unit two months earlier and was recently reassigned amid suspicions of IS ties, a Syrian official said. He stormed a lunch meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials, opened fire after a clash with Syrian guards, and was killed. Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al‑Din al‑Baba described the event as “a major security breach” but noted that “there have been many more successes than failures” since the fall of Bashar Assad.

The U.S. Army announced on Monday that the incident is under investigation. Military officials and President Trump have attributed the attack to an IS member. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, confirmed that a U.S. civilian interpreter was also killed. Three other Guard members were wounded, with two in stable condition and one in good condition.

The Soldiers

The Army named the fallen soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres‑Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in the state to fly at half‑staff, saying, “We are grateful for their service and deeply mourn their loss.” Governor Reynolds also praised the soldiers’ dedication and called them “cherished members” of the Iowa National Guard family.

Stephen Osborn, the adjutant general, said in a statement, “Our focus now is providing unwavering support to their families through this unimaginable time and ensuring the legacy of these two heroes is never forgotten.” Osborn described Torres‑Tovar and Howard as “dedicated soldiers” and “heroes.”

Personal Tributes

Jeffrey Bunn, Howard’s stepfather and chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, wrote on Facebook, “Howard loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.” Bunn also called Howard an “amazing man of faith” and noted that Howard’s younger brother, a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard, would escort “Nate” back to Iowa. Bunn added that Howard had wanted to be a soldier since childhood, was inspired by his grandfather’s service, and had served for over eleven years, aiming for twenty.

Three fellow Guard members who were deployed with Torres‑Tovar—David Hernandez, Freddy Sarceño, and Luis Corona—shared a joint statement to local TV station WOI. They described Torres‑Tovar as “very positive,” family‑oriented, and always putting others first.

National Response

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media, “Our hearts go out to their families, and we lift them up in prayer for strength and comfort during this time of grief.” He added, “The United States of America will avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force.” President Trump echoed this sentiment, saying over the weekend that “there will be very serious retaliation” for the attack and that Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa was “devastated by what happened.” Trump welcomed al‑Sharaa, who led the insurgency that toppled Assad’s rule, to the White House for a historic meeting last month.

International Context

The attack tested the fragile rapprochement between the United States and Syria that has been evolving since Bashar Assad’s ouster a year ago. As U.S. troops expand cooperation with Syrian security forces, the incident underscores the risks of the ongoing conflict. Hundreds of American soldiers remain in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting ISIS.

Key Takeaways

• Two Iowa National Guard soldiers, Sgt. Torres‑Tovar and Sgt. Howard, were killed in a Saturday shooting near Palmyra, Syria.
• The U.S. military and President Trump blame the attack on an Islamic State member; the Pentagon confirmed a civilian interpreter also died.
• Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half‑staff, and the state mourns the loss of the soldiers, who were celebrated as dedicated heroes by family, friends, and the Guard.

The tragedy highlights the continuing dangers faced by U.S. forces abroad and the personal sacrifices of soldiers and their families. The incident will likely shape U.S. policy toward Syria and the broader fight against ISIS.