Hegseth vows to avenge U.S. soldiers killed in Syria attack
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed on Monday to avenge American soldiers killed in a deadly attack in Syria’s central Palmyra region, pledging an “overwhelming” response against those responsible.
“The United States of America will avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force,” Hegseth said in a post on X following the killing of Army Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard by what he described as Islamic terrorists.
Hegseth urged Americans to join him in prayer for the two soldiers, offering condolences to their families and praising their service.
He added that the fallen troops’ memory would live on through their families, fellow soldiers, and his “unwavering commitment” to U.S. warfighters worldwide.
The statement underscores Washington’s hardening rhetoric after one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria in recent months, and signals a possible military response as investigations continue.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Dec. 13, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would retaliate against the Islamic State (ISIS) following the killing of three American personnel in Syria.