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WASHINGTON / DES MOINES โ The U.S. Army on Monday identified the two Iowa National Guard members killed in a brazen weekend attack in Syria, as U.S. and Syrian leaders vowed forceful retaliation against the Islamic State (ISIS) group blamed for the incident.
The fallen soldiers, both dedicated professionals serving in the counter-terrorism mission, were named as:
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Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines
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Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown
The attack, which occurred Saturday near the ancient city of Palmyra, also killed a U.S. civilian interpreter whose identity has not yet been released. Three other members of the Iowa National Guard were wounded; officials confirmed two are in stable condition and the third is in good condition.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in the state to fly at half-staff, stating, “We are grateful for their service and deeply mourn their loss.”
The shooting took place during a “key leader engagement” between U.S. forces and Syrian security officials. Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba confirmed that the assailant, who was killed in the exchange, was a member of the Syrian internal security forces who had been recently flagged for suspected affiliation with ISIS.
Al-Baba acknowledged the incident as a “major security breach,” coming barely a year after the ouster of Bashar Assad and the subsequent expansion of U.S. military cooperation with the new Syrian administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The investigation into the incident, which military officials and President Trump have squarely blamed on an IS member, is ongoing.
The attack has been met with firm condemnation and promises of retribution from the Trump administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media, “The United States of America will avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force.” President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, telling reporters, “IS will be hit hard.”
Notably, President Trump reaffirmed his support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, absolving the new Syrian government of blame for the deadly ambush. “This had nothing to do with him,” Trump said of al-Sharaa. “This is a part of Syria that they really donโt have much control over.”
The Iowa National Guard family is in mourning, remembering the two soldiers as heroes. Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, said, “They were dedicated professionals and cherished members of our Guard family… Our focus now is providing unwavering support to their families through this unimaginable time and ensuring the legacy of these two heroes is never forgotten.”
Sgt. Howard, a loving husband who was inspired by his grandfather’s service, had served for over 11 years and dreamed of a 20-year career. His stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, wrote that Howard “loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.”
Sgt. Torres-Tovar was remembered by fellow Guard members as “very positive,” family-oriented, and a soldier who consistently put others first.
Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment of the Iowa Army National Guard, deployed to the region in support of the ongoing counter-terrorism mission against ISIS.