The attack also left three other US service members injured, officials confirmed.
The incident happened in Palmyra, a historic city located in central Syria. Pentagon officials said the attacker was a lone gunman who opened fire on US personnel before being confronted and killed by American forces at the scene.
US Central Command said the names of those who died have not yet been released. The military explained that identities are usually withheld for at least 24 hours to allow time for families to be formally notified.
In a strongly worded statement following the attack, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that any group or individual targeting Americans would face serious consequences.
The incident happened in Palmyra, a historic city located in central Syria. Pentagon officials said the attacker was a lone gunman who opened fire on US personnel before being confronted and killed by American forces at the scene.
US Central Command said the names of those who died have not yet been released. The military explained that identities are usually withheld for at least 24 hours to allow time for families to be formally notified.
In a strongly worded statement following the attack, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that any group or individual targeting Americans would face serious consequences.
He said the United States would track down those responsible and respond decisively.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said early investigations suggest the attack was carried out by an Islamic State operative.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said early investigations suggest the attack was carried out by an Islamic State operative.
Another senior defence official noted that the area where the ambush occurred is not under the control of the Syrian government, making it vulnerable to militant activity.
Although the Islamic State lost much of its territory in recent years, US officials say the group still has small cells operating in parts of Syria and Iraq.
Although the Islamic State lost much of its territory in recent years, US officials say the group still has small cells operating in parts of Syria and Iraq.
These groups are believed to carry out surprise attacks targeting security forces and coalition troops.
The US maintains a limited military presence in Syria as part of an international coalition aimed at preventing IS from regaining strength.
The US maintains a limited military presence in Syria as part of an international coalition aimed at preventing IS from regaining strength.
The coalition also focuses on stopping the movement of foreign fighters and supporting local forces battling remaining militants.
In recent months, Syria has shown signs of re-engaging with the international community on security matters.
In recent months, Syria has shown signs of re-engaging with the international community on security matters.
The country recently joined a global coalition working to eliminate the remaining threat posed by Islamic State fighters and pledged to cooperate with the United States and its allies.
Last month, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Last month, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Following the meeting, President al-Sharaa described the visit as the beginning of a “new era” in relations between Syria and the United States, especially in matters of security and regional stability.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the latest attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced by troops operating in conflict zones.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the latest attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced by troops operating in conflict zones.
Analysts say isolated militants continue to exploit weak security in certain regions to carry out attacks, even as broader military pressure reduces their overall influence.
The injured US service members are said to be receiving medical treatment, though details about their condition have not been made public.
The injured US service members are said to be receiving medical treatment, though details about their condition have not been made public.
Military officials said investigations are ongoing to determine how the attacker was able to get close to US personnel.
The attack has renewed debate in Washington about the risks of maintaining troops in unstable regions.
The attack has renewed debate in Washington about the risks of maintaining troops in unstable regions.
However, US defence officials insist that the mission remains necessary to prevent extremist groups from reorganising and threatening both regional and global security.
