According to Fox News, the U.S. troops killed and injured in an ambush attack in Syria were members of the Iowa National Guard. The attack killed two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian translator. Three additional U.S. troops sustained injuries, the outlet noted. Iowa National Guard soldiers ID’d as victims in deadly Syria ISIS attack https://t.co/rrdBaCZBVJ pic.twitter.com/2DNzHM9mQh — New York Post (@nypost) December 14, 2025 Fox News shared further: Preliminary information suggests the attacker was once affiliated with the Syrian government forces and had been a low-level member of the Syrian Security Forces, before later becoming connected to ISIS, the official said. “He was not a part of the official delegation that was being escorted by the U.S. and Syrian troops,” the official said. “… This would not be considered a ‘green on blue’ incident because the Syrian gunman was not part of the U.S./Syrian partnered delegation.” Earlier Saturday, U.S. Central Command confirmed the deaths and injuries were a “result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria.” President Donald Trump warned that there will be “very serious retaliation” following the ambush. “This was an ISIS attack. On us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones,” Trump told reporters. Footage below: NEW: President Trump says the U.S. WILL retaliate after the attack on Americans in Syria leaving 3 dead and 3 more injured. “This was an ISIS attack. On us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.” “We will retaliate.… https://t.co/J1L9pkTDdu pic.twitter.com/m8x3HUT3n1 — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 13, 2025 A police chief from Iowa confirmed his son is one of the victims. “Today two of our Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers were killed in action along with a Civilian Interpreter in Syria. My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer. He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind. Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have if from here,” Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “We were contacted by the interpreter’s family and they have requested his name be included in our post. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Ayad Sakat,” the post continued. Grieving Iowa police chief reveals son was one of three US soldiers in Syria killed in ‘this cruel world’ https://t.co/m1Dnmh5jav pic.twitter.com/HvJ7DELXuf — New York Post (@nypost) December 14, 2025 More from the New York Post: In a press conference Sunday morning, Iowa Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn said the attack was carried out by a “lone ISIS gunman” who was later killed by partner forces. “At the time of the attack, US personnel were conducting a key leader engagement. Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism efforts in the region,” Osborn said. On social media, Howard was remembered as creative and dedicated. In a previous post meant to profile soldiers in his troop, Howard said his ultimate goal was “20 years of service and a retirement he’s proud of.” He served 11 years before the attack. “Above all, SGT Howard wants his battle buddies to know he’s always there—whether to help or simply listen,” his profile said. According to the post, Howard enjoyed hunting and playing video games and was married. Bunn has three other sons, including another who is also serving in the Iowa Army National Guard, according to his bio of the police department website. The dad moved to the Meskwaki Nation in 2019 but raised his four boys in Marshalltown, Iowa. KCCI provided additional coverage:

Hamas confirmed the death of Raed Saad, a senior commander who was killed by an Israeli explosive device, as the two sides approach phase two of the fragile ceasefire.

People like Labour MP Lola McEvoy are stricken with suicidal empathy, and they have a lot of power. It’s going to destroy the West. McEvoy thinks the problem with the Islamic attacks is a lack of understanding. She seems to have no idea of the threat the West faces as she reacts to the Bondi […] The post MP’s Unbelievable Reaction to Bondi Beach: Suicidal Empathy appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Massive update on Staff Sergeant Andre Wolfe, who was shot in the head by the Afghan immigrant screaming Allahu Akbar. Due to the immediate attention to his wound, the care in the hospital from the doctors, and surgery, Andrew Wolfe has made “extraordinary” progress. He is breathing on his own and can stand with assistance. […] The post Massive Update on National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe’s Recovery appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A GoFundMe for a man who fought back against one of the Bondi Beach shooters has raised over $250,000 in a matter of hours. The hero of Bondi Beach, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, is hospitalized with two gunshot wounds, one to the hand and the other to his arm, according to the BBC. Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, ambushed one of the attackers, disarmed the shooter, and held him at gunpoint. “After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act,” says a GoFundMe post created by Car Hub Australia, a car club. “In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety,” the description continues. By Sunday evening Central Time, the fundraiser had raised over $250,000, propelled by an initial $50,000 donation from Car Hub Australia. The goal for the fundraiser was initially set at just $35,000, but by Sunday evening it had been raised to $300,000 as donations quickly outpaced the target amount. The Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia, targeted a Hanukkah celebration attended by thousands of Jews, including families with young children. The attacks killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens of others. Video from the terror attack on Bondi Beach showed Ahmed’s heroic actions. President Donald Trump praised the 43-year-old in comments during a White House Christmas reception. “In Australia, you probably read … a very, very brave person, actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives … very brave person who’s right now in the hospital. Pretty seriously wounded. So, I have great respect to that man that did that,” said Trump. A cousin of Ahmed said that he was hospitalized and in need of an operation, but that the doctor has said that he “is okay,” according to the BBC. “We hope he is OK, he is a hero, 100% he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand, he has had to have an operation,” the cousin said.

Sometimes miracles occur when we least expect them. Even in the midst of tragedy, God has a way of letting us know that everyone will be OK if we keep our faith. A family in the Philippines is living that truth following a devastating house fire. The family lost everything in the catastrophic blaze. After the crews put out the fire, they went back to survey the damage. As they walked through the charred remains of all their worldly possessions, they looked for any signs of survival. That’s when something positively incredible happened. Under a pile of soot and ashes, the woman found her Bible, the sole survivor of the fire. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fox News (@foxnews) The Bible Remained in Pristine Condition Despite the Fire It was as if God Himself spared the bible from the flames. Fox News shared the incredible footage on social media. “MIRACULOUS DISCOVERY: A Catholic woman in the Philippines discovers her family’s Bible survived a fire that burned nearly all of their belongings,” an Instagram caption reads. The message came in loud and clear to many believers, who think God spared that Bible from the fire to give the family much-needed hope. They flocked to the video’s comment section, bearing witness to the miracle. “This happens more than you think God is great christ is king,” someone wrote. “That’s why it is The Holy Bible. Praise God, your words will live on,” another person agreed. “He is the king of kings! Amen!! his kingdom will not Fail!! His love will never fail!” A follower shared. Others shared their own stories of Bibles surviving fires. “This happened to a girl i knew! her whole house burned down except their bible,” one wrote. “We had a fire in Christmas long time ago, everything there got burned except for the baby Jesus figure,” another person shared. Sometimes when all hope seems lost, God comes along with the sweet reminder He’ll never leave us. This story’s featured image is by Constantine Johnny.

Indiana Hoosiers Quarterback Fernando Mendoza gave an incredibly emotional interview following Indiana University’s win against Ohio State on December 6. He’s the front-runner for college football’s biggest honor, the Heisman Trophy, and has no shame sharing his faith in God and how that helped him to get where he is today. “It sounds so beautiful, I wanna give all the glory to God,” he told Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium following the huge win. “I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position. But by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everyone we have around us, we were able to pull this off. Whoever thought the Hoosiers would be here? But now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs! Let’s go!” Fernando Mendoza’s Reaction Surprised Some People Following the viral moment, Fernando Mendoza told People he’s not afraid to be himself. “I think it caught people off guard,” he said. “But you know, I’m excited for people to learn the real me.” Seeing Fernando’s raw emotion meant a lot ot people who hope his dream of winning the Heisman comes true. “How can you not want this kid to win it all? My college team missed the playoff by a couple of spots so now it’s Go Hoosiers!!!” Someone commented on YouTube. Others, seeing Fernando Mendoza for the first time, loved his spirit. “First time seeing this guy, like him already, intense passion, seems to be a great leader, and most importantly giving all glory to God. Praying to see him win in his future,” someone wrote. This person agreed. “Greatest post game speech ever! Congrats young man! I’m a diehard Gator fan but also a fan of Fernando Mendoza,” another comment reads. What an impressive role model. Congratulations to you! This story’s featured image can be found here.

A cat given a second chance with her kittens finally saw her wish come true, just in time for the holidays. Snowpea the cat and her five kittensAlley Cat RescueWhen volunteers at Alley Cat Rescue learned that a mother cat and her five kittens desperately needed a safe place, they stepped in without hesitation.Though exhausted and underweight, the cat, named Snowpea (aka Marian), gave everything she had to her kittens. She kept them safe, warm, and fed, even when she was starving and had nothing left to give.Snowpea needed saving just as much as her kittens did. Alley Cat RescueAs the kittens grew stronger, they began waddling around the nest, eager to explore their surroundings. At the slightest squeak, Snowpea rushed to their side, showering them with affection.The kittens kept their mom on her toes, and Snowpea rarely allowed herself a moment of rest. She was very attentive to her kittensAlley Cat RescueSoon, the foster family noticed that Snowpea was suffering from mastitis, a painful condition that made nursing extremely difficult. Still, she pushed through the discomfort and continued caring for her kittens as best she could."Many cats who give birth outdoors end up in this condition, especially when they have litter after litter, and most do," Alley Cat Rescue shared. Alley Cat RescueTo give Snowpea a chance to heal, the team began bottle-feeding the kittens while she received medical care. "She was painfully thin. We took over with bottle feeding, and she recovered with antibiotics and high-calorie food."Even during her recovery, Snowpea insisted on mothering her kittens, lovingly grooming each one after every feeding. Alley Cat RescueThe smaller kittens received extra meals to help them catch up. Soon, they grew plump and active, toddling beyond the nest with growing confidence. Snowpea seemed relieved by the support and was able to rest and rebuild her strength."With this many kittens, mama needs lots of human help." Alley Cat RescueOnce the kittens were fully weaned, Snowpea could finally focus on herself and enjoy some well-earned me-time. Raising five kittens is no small task for a cat with a tiny frame."Luckily, she won't need to worry about feeding anyone except herself for the rest of her life. She's got a great appetite, and her coat is already improved and shiny." Alley Cat RescueThe kittens' baby blues started to change color, and their coats grew thicker and fluffier. Safe from the dangers of the streets, they would never again have to wonder where their next meal would come from."That is why we work so hard together to keep them safe through rescue and foster, and to prevent suffering through spaying and neutering." Alley Cat RescueSnowpea has filled out beautifully and is no longer the weary, skinny mama she once was. "She turned out to be even more gorgeous than we'd expected."After months in foster care, she has found her forever home and is enjoying life as the center of attention she always wanted. "She is going to grace her happy new home with her beautiful fluff and precious squeak of a meow." Snowpea has blossomed into a fluffy and stunning catAlley Cat RescueThanks to the compassion and dedication of these volunteers, Snowpea and her kittens are thriving, surrounded by warmth, comfort, and love this holiday season. Alley Cat RescueShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Alley Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Kitten Found Under Car Became Very Close to Two Cats Waiting for Home, They Just Got Their Wish Together

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