US identifies two soldiers killed in Syria as Iowa National Guard members

The United States Army on Monday identified the two American soldiers who were killed in Syria over the weekend as two members of the Iowa National Guard. 

The two soldiers and a civilian translator were killed in an attack as part of ongoing anti-ISIS operations in the country on Saturday. U.S. officials said they believe the attacker was a former ISIS member who had joined the current ruling party's security apparatus but was recently expelled.

The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa.

"Our hearts are with their families, loved ones and the Iowa National Guard during this time of profound sorrow," National Guard Chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus said on X. "We honor their courage and sacrifice, and we will never forget them or their service."

War Secretary Pete Hegseth promised to "avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force." 

"Their memory will live on through their families, their fellow warriors still serving our country, and in my unwavering commitment to our warfighters around the globe," Hegseth posted on X.

The civilian translator has not been identified so far, and three other guard members and three Syrian security members were also wounded in the attack. 

Iowa GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags in her state to immediately be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of the two guard members’ funerals in honor of the soldiers.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.