Gunfire Injures U.S. and Syrian Forces During Palmyra Visit

A shooting incident on Saturday resulted in injuries to several members of both Syrian and U.S. forces during a visit by American troops to the ancient city of Palmyra. According to Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, two members of Syria’s security forces and multiple U.S. service personnel were wounded in the attack. The injured were subsequently airlifted to the al-Tanf garrison, located near the borders of Iraq and Jordan.

Reports indicate that the assailant, who was identified as a member of the Syrian security forces, was killed during the incident. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, confirmed that at least three Syrian security personnel were among the injured alongside several Americans. A U.S. defense official acknowledged awareness of the situation but did not provide further information, citing the need for authorization to speak to the media.

The U.S. military maintains a presence of hundreds of troops in eastern Syria as part of a coalition effort targeting the Islamic State group. In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, Syria has recently joined the coalition fighting against IS, following improved ties with Western nations after the fall of President Bashar Assad‘s regime last year.

The interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made a significant visit to Washington in March 2024, where he engaged in discussions with President Donald Trump. Although IS was declared defeated in Syria in 2019, the group continues to pose a threat, with the United Nations estimating that between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters remain active in both Syria and Iraq.

U.S. forces, which have been targeted in previous attacks, continue to operate at the al-Tanf garrison in the central province of Homs. One of the deadliest incidents took place in January 2019 in the northern town of Manbij, where a bombing resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and two American civilians, among others.

This incident underscores ongoing tensions in the region and highlights the complexities of U.S. involvement in Syria, particularly as the situation evolves with shifting alliances and security threats. As the coalition continues its campaign against IS, the safety of troops remains a paramount concern, with attacks like the one in Palmyra reminding the international community of the challenges that persist in the area.