WASHINGTON — The U.S. military confirmed on Monday that Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, were the two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack attributed to the Islamic State group in Syria.
In honor of their sacrifice, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in the state to fly at half-staff, stating, We are grateful for their service and deeply mourn their loss. This tragic event also resulted in injuries to three other Guard members, with two reported in stable condition and one in good condition.
The attack, which took place in the Syrian desert near Palmyra, has heightened concerns regarding the ongoing U.S. military presence in the region, particularly as recent developments have seen an expansion of cooperation between U.S. forces and Syrian officials. This incident unfolded during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials.
The shooter, who had recently joined Syria’s internal security forces, opened fire after allegedly clashing with Syrian guards, which led to his death. This incident has been labeled a significant security breach by local officials.
The Pentagon's spokesperson confirmed that a civilian interpreter accompanying U.S. troops also lost their life in the attack, underscoring the dangers faced by those engaged in military operations against IS.
As investigations into the attack continue, military officials are emphasizing the need for vigilant security measures, particularly given the intricate dynamics that exist post-Assad's regime.
President Donald Trump has stated that there will be very serious retaliation for this attack, expressing strong support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads efforts alongside U.S. troops against the remnants of IS. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with U.S. military operations in this complex geopolitical landscape.
