Two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and one American civilian interpreter were killed in an ambush attack in Syria. Three additional U.S. service members sustained injuries.

Preliminary information indicates the attacker had previously been a low-level member of the Syrian Security Forces before becoming affiliated with ISIS. A senior official stated that the individual was not part of the U.S./Syrian delegation being escorted at the time, ruling out a “green on blue” incident.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the attack was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman. President Donald Trump warned of “very serious retaliation” following the ambush, stating: “This was an ISIS attack. On us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.”

Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn of the Meskwaki Nation confirmed his son, Nate, an Iowa Army National Guard soldier, was among those killed. In a Facebook post, Bunn said: “Today two of our Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers were killed in action along with a Civilian Interpreter in Syria. My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer.”

The interpreter’s family has requested his name be included: Ayad Sakat.

A soldier named Howard, who served 11 years before the attack, is also remembered. In a previous post describing his goals, he wrote: “20 years of service and a retirement he’s proud of.” He was known for his creativity and dedication to comrades, expressing that “Above all, SGT Howard wants his battle buddies to know he’s always there—whether to help or simply listen.” Howard enjoyed hunting and playing video games and was married.