UPDATE: The U.S. Army has just identified two Iowa National Guard members killed in a deadly attack attributed to the Islamic State in Syria. Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, were tragically lost during the incident that unfolded over the weekend.
In response to this heartbreaking news, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in their honor, expressing deep gratitude for their service. “We are grateful for their service and deeply mourn their loss,” Reynolds stated.
The attack occurred on Saturday near the historic city of Palmyra and also resulted in the death of a U.S. civilian interpreter and left three other Guard members injured. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, confirmed that two of the injured are in stable condition while the third is in good condition.
This incident poses significant implications for U.S.-Syria relations, especially as it tests the fragile cooperation following the ousting of autocratic leader Bashar Assad last year. Hundreds of American troops remain deployed in eastern Syria as part of the ongoing coalition against IS.
A Syrian official revealed that the assailant, who had been working as a base security guard for just two months, opened fire during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials. This shocking attack not only injured multiple guards but also raises serious concerns about security protocols in the region.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba characterized the incident as “a major security breach” but emphasized the “many more successes than failures” by Syrian security forces in the year since Assad’s fall.
President Donald Trump has vowed “very serious retaliation” for this attack, affirming that Syria is fighting alongside U.S. troops. He added that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was “devastated by what happened,” highlighting the weight of this tragedy on international relations.
The Iowa National Guard has expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Torres-Tovar and Howard. Adjutant General Stephen Osborn described them as “cherished members” of the Guard family, pledging unwavering support to their families during this unimaginable time.
Howard, remembered as a dedicated soldier and loving husband, had aspired to military service since childhood. His stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, reflected on Howard’s commitment, stating he was always “first in and last out.”
As the investigation into the attack continues, military officials are focusing on the implications of this incident for both U.S. troops and their allies in the region. The loss of these brave soldiers underscores the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel in conflict zones.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
