The U.S. Army has identified two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack in Syria, which the military has attributed to the Islamic State group. The deceased soldiers are Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown. In response to their deaths, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags in the state to be flown at half-staff, expressing gratitude for their service and mourning their loss. Additionally, a U.S. civilian interpreter was reported killed, and three other Guard members sustained injuries, with two in stable condition and one in good condition.

The attack occurred in the Syrian desert near Palmyra, during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials. The assailant, who had recently joined Syria's internal security forces, opened fire after a confrontation with Syrian guards. This incident raises concerns about the security situation in Syria, particularly as the U.S. military expands its cooperation with local forces in the region. The Pentagon has stated that the incident is under investigation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed condolences and vowed that the U.S. would respond with overwhelming force. President Donald Trump reiterated this commitment, emphasizing that the attack was not the fault of the Syrian government, which has been under scrutiny since the ousting of former leader Bashar Assad. The ongoing military presence of U.S. troops in eastern Syria is part of a coalition effort against IS, underscoring the complexities of U.S. involvement in the region.

Torres-Tovar and Howard were remembered as dedicated soldiers by their peers and superiors. The adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard described them as cherished members of the military community, with a focus on supporting their families during this difficult time. Personal accounts from friends and family highlighted their commitment to service and the impact they had on those around them.