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Deadly ISIS Ambush in Syria Claims Two Iowa Guardsmen

12/16/2025

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Center

Iowa Guardsmen Killed

Two Iowa National Guard members, Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Nate Howard, were killed December 13 in an ambush in Syria by an alleged ISIS shooter.
A civilian contractor died, and three soldiers were injured, two in critical condition.
This was the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Syria since 2019.
Major General Stephen Osborn praised the troops’ dedication during their counter-ISIS mission as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Right

Guardsmen Honored Posthumously

The U.S. House unanimously passed a resolution honoring National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe after they were attacked in Washington, D.C. last month.
Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, and Wolfe is recovering.
The shooter, an Afghan refugee, is under investigation for a terror attack.
Lawmakers from both parties supported the resolution, praising the guardsmen and signaling unity in response to this national tragedy.

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Iowa Guardsmen Killed

Two Iowa National Guard members, Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Nate Howard, were killed December 13 in an ambush in Syria by an alleged ISIS shooter.
A civilian contractor died, and three soldiers were injured, two in critical condition.
This was the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Syria since 2019.
Major General Stephen Osborn praised the troops’ dedication during their counter-ISIS mission as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.

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