Syrian President Ahmed al-Share has sent a message of condolence to US President Donald Trump following an attack near Palmyra that resulted in the death of two American soldiers and an American translator. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has prompted strong reactions from both countries.
According to a statement released by the Syrian Presidency on Sunday, President al-Share conveyed his “deepest condolences to President Trump and the American people, expressing the Syrian Arab Republic’s solidarity with the families of the victims.” He further emphasized Syria’s commitment to regional security and stability.
“Syria strongly condemns this regrettable incident and reiterates its dedication to maintaining security and promoting stability within Syria and the wider region,” President al-Share stated in his message.
The attack near Palmyra also prompted a phone call between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the call, both ministers exchanged condolences and affirmed that the attack was an attempt to undermine Syrian-American relations.
Minister al-Shibani expressed his regret over the incident, describing it as a new challenge in the fight against terrorism. Secretary Rubio, in turn, reaffirmed Washington’s continued support for the Syrian government in various fields, including counter-terrorism efforts. The US State Department indicated that Minister al-Shibani had assured them of the Syrian government’s commitment to weakening and ultimately defeating ISIS.
The United States has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and a translator, as well as injuries to three other military personnel, in the attack. The assailant was described as a lone operative affiliated with ISIS. The attack occurred during a meeting between American military personnel and local security leaders near Palmyra, in central Syria.
The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that the attacker, a member of the Internal Security Forces in the Syrian desert, had previously been flagged as potentially harboring “takfiri or extremist ideas.” The ministry added that prior warnings had been issued to partner forces in the international coalition regarding potential attacks by ISIS. The area where the incident took place has seen ongoing activity by ISIS cells, which continue to carry out sporadic attacks in the vast Syrian desert southeast of Palmyra.
