A Syrian Security Personnel and 3 Americans Killed in Attack in the Syrian City of Palmyra

SadaNews - A member of the Syrian security forces, two American soldiers, and an American translator were killed in a shooting incident near the city of Palmyra in the Homs province, according to a report by "Syria" TV, citing a security source.

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced the killing of two American soldiers and an American translator in the Palmyra attack in Syria.

The Pentagon stated that "the Palmyra attack occurred during a meeting regarding counter-terrorism and ISIS."

On Saturday, Syrian security forces and American forces from the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS came under gunfire near the city of Palmyra while conducting a joint field tour.

The United States has stationed forces in northeastern Syria as part of a 10-year effort to support a Kurdish-led force there in the battle against ISIS.

In response, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, stated that "the increase in attacks necessitates joint efforts to combat terrorism."

Abdi expressed his regret for the "injury of Syrian security personnel and American soldiers in the attack in the Syrian Badia."

ISIS had previously seized control of the city of Palmyra in 2015 and 2016 during its expansion in the Syrian Badia.

During that time, the group destroyed prominent archaeological sites and executed residents and military personnel, before losing the area later due to government offensives supported by Russia, and subsequently to the international coalition led by the United States, leading to the collapse of its extensive control by 2019, despite the continued activity of its cells in carrying out sporadic attacks in the desert.

On Saturday, joint Syrian and American forces cut off the Deir ez-Zor-Damascus road and completely blocked traffic on it as an emergency security measure.

This comes in conjunction with an attack that targeted an American delegation while touring Palmyra, prompting the delegation to leave the area quickly towards the Tanf base, amidst extensive security alerts and heightened measures in the surrounding area.

The skies over the city of Palmyra witnessed intense low-altitude flights by American warplanes, accompanied by the dropping of thermal balloons, while the Syrian government forces in the region were on high alert and gunfire was heard. The low flights caused concern among some residents.

The American delegation toured the city of Palmyra in a notable movement with both military and political dimensions, visiting the archaeological city before heading to the former intelligence building to meet with the military security forces deployed in the city.

This move came as part of a clear American strategy to strengthen its presence in the heart of the Syrian Badia.