US Fighter Jets Drop Flares Over Syria's Palmyra in 'Show of Force' After Three Citizens Killed by ISIS Ambush

The skies over Palmyra (Tadmur) in the eastern Homs countryside witnessed intense US military activity, including the dropping of flares and heavy warplane flights, following an ambush by ISIS that killed three US citizens in the area.

US Actions in Palmyra:

• Flares and Overflights: Local sources reported flares being dropped over Palmyra, creating widespread illumination. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

• Show of Force: The Wall Street Journal quoted a senior US official saying, "We sent two F-16 fighter jets to fly over Palmyra in a show of force" after the attack.

• Victims: The ambush resulted in the deaths of three American citizens (including two soldiers and an American civilian photographer).

Official Reactions:

• President Trump's Response:

  • President Donald Trump confirmed that the US lost three "great" American citizens in the ambush in Syria.

  • He stressed that the ambush "will not go unanswered," emphasizing that Washington "will respond strongly to ISIS."

  • Trump affirmed the US commitment to pursuing ISIS and protecting its interests, stating the response would be "decisive."

  • He described the attack as an ISIS operation "against both the United States and Syria."

• Syrian Foreign Minister's Response:

  • Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Sheibani strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting a "joint counter-terrorism patrol between Syria and the United States" near Palmyra.

  • Al-Sheibani offered condolences to the families of the victims and the American government and people.