Tragic Attack: U.S. Personnel Targeted in Syria

Three U.S. military personnel, including two Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed by a suspected Islamic State gunman during a convoy engagement in Syria's Palmyra. The assailant was killed by partner forces. The attack reflects ongoing tensions and anti-terrorism efforts in the region.

Three U.S. military personnel, comprising two Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were tragically killed in a suspected Islamic State attack on Saturday. The incident took place during a convoy operation involving American and Syrian forces in central Syria's town of Palmyra, as reported by the U.S. military's Central Command.

According to Central Command, the lone gunman targeted the personnel while they were participating in a critical leadership engagement. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that partner forces neutralized the attacker. While no immediate claim of responsibility was made by Islamic State, initial assessments by senior U.S. officials suggest the group was behind the attack.

The event comes shortly after Syria's political cooperation agreement with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. Despite the tragic loss, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack reaffirmed the commitment to combating terrorism alongside Syrian partners. The ongoing joint operations aim to dismantle militant networks in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)