The attack underscores the ongoing risk to U.S. forces and the life-saving role of interpreters in counterterrorism missions.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
December 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@iava.org | 917-326-4002 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the weekend, three U.S. citizens, including two Army National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed in Palmyra, Syria, while supporting counterterrorism operations. Three other U.S. soldiers were also wounded. The loss underscores that Americans remain in harm’s way and that interpreters are mission-critical to force protection.  

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) mourns the U.S. lives lost in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, units, and loved ones of the fallen, and we are keeping the wounded and their families in our thoughts as they recover. Our hearts are with the National Guard community, as this is the second tragedy the community has experienced in less than a month.  It is a stark reminder that even after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have come to an end, the post-9/11 generation of veterans remains in harm’s way supporting operations around the globe.  

“This is a painful reminder of a truth too easy to forget and take for granted. Our service members are still deployed, willing to risk their lives to support the Constitution of the United States, and being targeted,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “And right alongside them are interpreters whose language skills and cultural expertise are essential to military operations. While this interpreter lost their life, they also undoubtedly saved many lives, helped prevent civilian harm, and made counterterrorism missions like this one possible.”  

Initial reporting indicates Syrian authorities have detained suspects in connection with the incident. As investigations continue, IAVA reminds our nation’s leaders, policymakers, and citizens that:   

• U.S. service women and men remain actively involved in counterterrorism operations. Roughly 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria supporting efforts to prevent an ISIS resurgence, and these missions carry real risk every day. When Americans are killed, it hits hard for not only the people still deployed but for the broader veteran community watching it unfold.   

• The loss of life during military operations has ripple effects in the military and veteran communities. For those still serving, incidents like this can intensify the realities of deployment, including hypervigilance, sleep disruption, and the mental and emotional weight of losing teammates during “routine” activities. Additionally, veterans back home can re-experience grief, survivor’s guilt, moral injury, and the feeling that the war never really ended. 

• This attack also underscores the importance of partners and allies in military operations: Our partner forces who took down the attacker, our allies who defend and support troops overseas, and our military and civilians who execute no-fail missions daily, both stateside and abroad.   

• Whether a U.S. citizen or an allied partner, we must acknowledge the vital role that interpreters play in the success of our missions. A key part of ensuring that we continue to have their support is honoring our commitments to our allies. IAVA calls on Congress and the Administration to strengthen pathways and protections for wartime allies, starting with passing the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act and related measures that provide long-term security for partners who supported U.S. forces.  

IAVA has full faith and confidence that leadership at all levels will ensure that the military families and units affected by this loss receive seamless support, including casualty assistance and mental health care, without delay.   

About IAVA: IAVA stands at the center of people, policy, and institutions to ensure that the lived experience of post-9/11 veterans is heard, measured, and acted on. We turn the experiences of post-9/11 veterans into evidence, use that evidence to shape policy, and work with institutions that serve veterans to ensure that policies become real in veterans’ lives. By convening veterans, researchers, and decision-makers, IAVA drives the changes needed to ensure America serves the newest generation of veterans.