US Troops Killed and Wounded in ISIS Ambush During Joint Patrol in Syria Amid Retaliation Pledges

The attack resulted in the deaths of two United States Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter, with three additional United States service members sustaining injuries.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command confirmed an ambush by an Islamic State militant on a joint patrol involving United States forces and Syrian security personnel near Palmyra in central Syria.

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The attack resulted in the deaths of two United States Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter, with three additional United States service members sustaining injuries.

Syrian state-run media reported that two Syrian security personnel were wounded, one of whom later succumbed to injuries. The assailant was neutralized by partner forces during the incident. Helicopters evacuated the wounded to the Al-Tanf base near the Iraqi border.

Why Iran Imports Oil from Venezuela

Iran imports oil from Venezuela primarily to circumvent U.S. sanctions and support mutual economic interests. Both nations face restrictions on their oil sectors, leading to a barter system where Iran provides condensate and refined products to Venezuela in exchange for heavy crude oil.

This arrangement allows Venezuela to dilute its extra-heavy crude for export, addressing its refining shortfalls caused by sanctions and infrastructure decline. Iran’s condensate helps Venezuela revive its oil exports, while Venezuela’s crude enables Iran to blend and market its own oil more effectively.

The trade generates funds for sanctioned entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, which uses proceeds to support groups like Hezbollah. U.S. Treasury reports indicate that networks involving Iranian tankers transport Venezuelan oil, evading price caps and sanctions.

Historical patterns show shipments dating back to 2020, with Iran assisting in refinery repairs and providing technical expertise. This alliance defies U.S. pressure, sustaining both economies amid isolation.

Incident Details

The ambush occurred on December 13 on a joint patrol in Palmyra, located in the Homs region. U.S. forces were touring historic Roman ruins and meeting with Syrian military officials as part of ongoing counter-Islamic State operations.

The gunman, identified as a lone Islamic State militant, initiated the attack on the convoy consisting of at least five vehicles. Partner forces responded immediately, neutralizing the threat. No further attackers were reported in the vicinity.

Security measures following the incident included temporary closure of the Deir Ezzor-Damascus highway and low-altitude overflights by military aircraft. The engagement marked the first confirmed casualties among United States personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024.

Syria’s interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has recently joined the international coalition against the Islamic State, facilitating joint operations in formerly restricted areas.

Palmyra’s strategic significance stems from its position in the central desert, an area previously controlled by the Islamic State in 2015 before its recapture.

Current operations aim to dismantle remaining Islamic State logistics networks in the region. United States forces have conducted reconnaissance missions in Palmyra for the first time amid these efforts.

Participation and Casualties