Two Iowa National Guard Soldiers Killed in Syria Attack

Two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed in an attack in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025. Three additional Iowa National Guard soldiers were injured in the incident. The soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement as part of ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism efforts when the attack occurred.

The fallen soldiers have been identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences, stating, "Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of our soldiers killed in action."

Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, confirmed the loss, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of two of our own."

Approximately 1,800 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, began deploying to the Middle East in late May 2025 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. mission to advise, assist, and enable partner forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

The attack occurred during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security forces. The assailant, reportedly a recently reassigned member of Syria’s internal security forces suspected of ISIS ties, was killed.

President Donald Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" following the attack, attributing it to the Islamic State group.

The U.S. Army is investigating the security breach that led to the attack.