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: