UPDATE: Soldiers killed in ISIS ambush in Syria identified as Iowa National Guard members

December 14, 2025

From KCCI.com: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has confirmed two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers were killed and three others wounded in action during an attack in Syria early Saturday morning. One U.S. civilian was also killed in the attack, which IANG Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn called an “ambush” by a “lone ISIS gunman.”

In a press conference at the Iowa National Guard Joint Headquarters on Saturday evening, Reynolds said she learned of the attack around 9 a.m. The soldiers were part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division currently serving in the Middle East.

The names of the Iowa soldiers who were killed and wounded have not yet been released, pending notification of their families, the governor said.

Of the three who were wounded in the attack, one received a “superficial” wound and was brought back to their base for treatment. However, the other two wounded Guard members had “significant” injuries and are in critical condition, but stable and “making progress.”

Following the deadly ambush, U.S. and partner Syrian forces reportedly engaged and killed the attacker.

pic.twitter.com/7JeDoCRgiM

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) December 14, 2025

Following news of the deadly ambush, President Trump announced on Truth Social, “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. This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”