US President Donald Trump vowed “very serious retaliation” after two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in a suspected Islamic State (IS) attack in Syria. “This was an ISIS attack on us and Syria,” the Republican President told reporters at the White House before departing for the Army–Navy football game in Baltimore.

Trump vows “very serious retaliation”

This marks one of the ‘deadliest’ assaults on US personnel in Syria after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad a year ago. President Trump described the deceased as “three great patriots” and labelled the incident as an attack against both America and Damascus.

“There will be very serious retaliation. We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria–two soldiers and one civilian interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well,” he repeated the warning on Truth Social.

Three additional US soldiers injured in the attack

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the assault took place on Saturday, December 13, while counter-terrorism operations were underway near Palmyra. The lone gunman was killed by the United States and partner forces. Three additional US troops sustained injuries but are recovering. The identities of the deceased will remain confidential until the next of kin are notified.

900 troops deployed in Syria

Meanwhile, Trump also mentioned Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the assault, which took place in “a very dangerous part” of the country, which is partially under the government’s control. Following the attack, America has deployed approximately 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against Islamic State militants.