The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack that the U.S. military attributed to the Islamic State group in Syria have been identified. The U.S. Army named them as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown.
In response to their deaths, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff, expressing gratitude for their service and mourning their loss. Additionally, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, revealed that a civilian working as a U.S. interpreter was also killed, while three other Guard members sustained injuries, with varying conditions reported.
This tragic incident has become a significant point of concern in the ongoing U.S.-Syria relations, especially as American troops continue to collaborate with Syrian security forces in the fight against IS. The attack occurred in the Syrian desert near Palmyra during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials.
The assailant, who was recently assigned to Syria's internal security forces, reportedly engaged in the incident amid suspicions of his ties with IS, prompting investigations by military officials. It has been deemed a major security breach, as noted by Syrian officials, highlighting the precarious environment U.S. troops are navigating.
President Trump condemned the attack, promising serious retaliation and acknowledged the devastation felt by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The response to this incident underscores the complexities and dangers present in the region, particularly as military interactions continue.
In response to their deaths, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff, expressing gratitude for their service and mourning their loss. Additionally, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, revealed that a civilian working as a U.S. interpreter was also killed, while three other Guard members sustained injuries, with varying conditions reported.
This tragic incident has become a significant point of concern in the ongoing U.S.-Syria relations, especially as American troops continue to collaborate with Syrian security forces in the fight against IS. The attack occurred in the Syrian desert near Palmyra during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials.
The assailant, who was recently assigned to Syria's internal security forces, reportedly engaged in the incident amid suspicions of his ties with IS, prompting investigations by military officials. It has been deemed a major security breach, as noted by Syrian officials, highlighting the precarious environment U.S. troops are navigating.
President Trump condemned the attack, promising serious retaliation and acknowledged the devastation felt by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The response to this incident underscores the complexities and dangers present in the region, particularly as military interactions continue.
