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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said an attack in Syria that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter will not be left unanswered.
Barrack made the remarks in a statement posted on X, one day after what he described as a “cowardly terrorist ambush” in Syria.
Barrack said the deaths of the two American soldiers and the civilian interpreter caused deep pain across the United States.
“Nothing can ease the ache and unbearable pain in the heart of every American over the senseless loss of our young American heroes,” he said.
He added that President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the entire U.S. military, political and diplomatic establishment would not allow the attack on U.S. soldiers to go unanswered.
Barrack said the attack demonstrated that Daesh remains a continuing threat not only to Syria but also to global security, including the territorial integrity and safety of the United States.
He said the ambush highlighted Daesh as a danger extending beyond the region, posing risks to the U.S. homeland as well.
Barrack outlined the U.S. approach in Syria, saying Washington’s strategy focuses on empowering Syrian partners with limited US operational support.
He said the objective is to dismantle Daesh networks, deny the group safe havens and prevent its resurgence.
According to Barrack, this approach keeps the fight local, limits risks to US forces and prevents another large-scale American war in the Middle East.
Barrack said the latest attack does not undermine the U.S. strategy in Syria but instead reinforces it.
He said Daesh carries out attacks due to sustained pressure from U.S.-backed Syrian partners, including forces operating under the command of Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa.
Barrack added that investigations into the attack are ongoing and that emerging facts would not change this overall assessment.
Barrack said the limited U.S. military presence in Syria, working alongside local forces to confront and defeat Daesh, actively protects the United States from much larger threats.
He said preventing Daesh from reemerging in Syria helps block potential terrorist flows that could move through Europe and eventually reach U.S. territory.
Barrack stressed the importance of strong partnerships within the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh.
He said the steadfast support of countries aligned with Syria’s new government would strengthen efforts to neutralize Daesh wherever it operates.
Barrack said coalition partners share a concentrated determination and increased capabilities to eliminate the group.
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