Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed and three others were injured Friday during a terrorist attack in Syria.
Governor Kim Reynolds said she spoke with the families of the fallen soldiers and offered condolences during an evening news conference.
“Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of these soldiers,” Reynolds said. “I ask that all Iowans stand united in supporting them and lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time. Please also pray for the fast and full recovery of our wounded soldiers, and let us remember all National Guard service members, especially those who served side-by-side with those killed and wounded.”
Reynolds said the soldiers were part of an Iowa Army National Guard unit headquartered in Boone. The names of the two killed will not be released until Sunday evening, pending notification of next of kin.
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Stephen Osborne said one of the injured soldiers sustained superficial wounds and is being treated at a military base in Syria. Two others suffered significant injuries and were transported to a hospital in Amman, Jordan, located at a Jordanian air base.
“They are stable — in critical condition, but both stable,” Osborne said.
Osborne said the gunman was killed by U.S. and Syrian forces. At the time of the attack, U.S. personnel were conducting a key leader engagement as part of ongoing counter-ISIS and counterterrorism operations in the region. The incident remains under investigation.
About 1,800 Iowa National Guard members deployed to the Middle East in June, and approximately 250 are currently serving in Syria, according to Osborne.
“We will continue to stand strong as a team, united in the purpose and resolve of their mission,” Osborne said. “At this time, our foremost priority is our people — our fallen service members’ families and loved ones, our injured service members and their families, and our fellow teammates.”
A civilian also was killed in the attack. Officials said the individual was an American contractor serving as an interpreter.
President Donald Trump said there will be “very serious retaliation” for the ambush, which he said occurred in a dangerous area of Syria that is not under the control of the country’s new government.