The Islamic State has described the recent attack in Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra, which killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, as a major strike against American forces and their Syrian allies.
The Islamic State group has described the killing of American military personnel in Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra as a significant strike against United States forces and their local allies. This marks the group’s first public reaction to the assault, which left several people dead and wounded, reigniting concerns over its lingering influence in the region.
Islamic State’s response
In a statement published on its Telegram channel on Thursday, the Islamic State referred to the Palmyra attack as a moral victory. It portrayed the assault as a symbolic act meant to strengthen the faith of its followers and challenge what it called the united front of American and Syrian fighters arrayed against it. Although the group praised the attacker and framed the incident in religious terms, it did not directly claim responsibility for the killings.
Details of the attack
According to the United States military, two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter lost their lives on Saturday when a convoy of American and Syrian forces came under attack in Palmyra. The assailant opened fire before being shot dead by security personnel. Three other American soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The attack has shaken confidence in the relative stability that had been gradually returning to central Syria after years of conflict. Palmyra, a historical site known for its ancient ruins, has repeatedly been a flashpoint during the Syrian civil war, witnessing fierce battles between government forces and extremist factions.
International reaction
US President Donald Trump condemned the incident, describing it as a “terrible act” and warned that a response would follow. His statement signalled Washington’s continued commitment to countering extremist violence in Syria, where American troops remain deployed as part of a broader international coalition.
Syrian investigation and arrests
Syria’s Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that five individuals suspected of involvement in the attack had been detained. Authorities identified the deceased attacker as a member of the Syrian security apparatus believed to harbour sympathies for the Islamic State. The arrests were reportedly conducted through joint efforts between Syrian units and coalition partners operating in the region.
Continued presence in Syria
Although the Islamic State lost territorial control in Syria and Iraq by 2019, the group continues to wage sporadic assaults, mainly targeting security forces and coalition allies. The latest attack underscores the ongoing volatility in Syria’s central provinces and the enduring challenges faced by international forces seeking to maintain order and contain extremism.
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