CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in what’s being called a terrorist attack in Syria.
A lone ISIS gunman ambushed U.S. troops in central Syria, killing two soldiers and a civilian and wounding three other soldiers. The gunman was killed in the attack.
The Associated Press cited anonymous U.S. officials in reporting the two service members killed were members of the Iowa National Guard.
The names of those killed and wounded have not been released.
1,800 members of the Iowa National Guard deployed this past summer to Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military’s name for the international effort to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
After the attack, President Trump vowed retaliation for the attack.
“There will be very serious retaliation,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Trump reiterated that the Syrian government is working with the U.S. to defeat ISIS and respond to the attack.
Several Iowa politicians have also shared their condolences for the families and National Guard members impacted by the attack:
Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley released the the following statement:
“Barbara and I are heartbroken by the loss of two brave Iowans on a counter-terrorism mission in Syria. These soldiers and the civilian interpreter who was with them paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever indebted to them for their service to our country. My prayers are with their families, loved ones, fellow soldiers and Iowans as we mourn this terrible tragedy. We also pray for the full recovery of the three Iowans who suffered injuries.”
In addition, Iowa US Senator Joni Ernst released the following statement:
“Please join me in praying for the families of these American heroes. Our Iowa National Guard family is hurting as we mourn the loss of two of our own and pray for the recovery of the three soldiers wounded,” said Ernst. “These soldiers were carrying out a critical mission in combatting the threat of ISIS and keeping our homeland safe from the threat of radical Islamic terror. This tragic attack is a reminder that freedom is not free and that every American owes an enormous debt of gratitude to our brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day.”
Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley said the following:
“Earlier today, two Iowa soldiers were ruthlessly killed in an ambush that can only be described as evil. They were on a counter terrorism mission to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and they will forever be remembered as vigilant Iowa warriors. Their families will be in our prayers and may we never forget their service and sacrifice.”
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