The U.S. military has revealed the identities of the two Iowa National Guard soldiers who lost their lives in a recent Syria attack attributed to ISIS. Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown were honored as committed servicemen. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags in the state to fly at half-staff in their memory, expressing gratitude for their service and mourning their passing.
In addition to the two soldiers killed, a civilian U.S. interpreter also lost their life in the attack, with three Guard members sustaining injuries. The Pentagon disclosed that two of the wounded soldiers are in stable condition, while the third is in good health. This incident comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-Syria relations, as the U.S. military intensifies collaboration with Syrian security forces in the fight against ISIS.
The assault, which took place in the Syrian desert near Palmyra, left casualties among Syrian security personnel and resulted in the death of the perpetrator, who was suspected of having ties to ISIS. The assailant, who had recently joined Syria’s internal security forces, launched the attack during a meeting with U.S. and Syrian security officials. While acknowledging the security breach, Syrian authorities emphasized the overall success of security forces since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
The Army is currently investigating the incident, attributing the attack to an ISIS member. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and vowed to avenge their deaths. President Trump also condemned the attack, promising severe retaliation and highlighting Syria’s collaboration with U.S. forces.
Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard were praised as dedicated soldiers and esteemed members of the Iowa National Guard by Stephen Osborn, adjutant general. Howard’s stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, shared that Howard had aspired to be a soldier since childhood and was deeply committed to his service. The fallen soldiers are being remembered as heroes, with their legacy to be honored and preserved by their comrades and families.