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Iowa Guardsmen Killed in Syria Honored During Return

12/27/2025

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On December 24, 2025, the remains of Iowa National Guard Staff Sgts. William Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar were returned to Iowa.
They were killed by an ISIS gunman in Syria on December 13, 2025.
This marked the first Iowa National Guard fatalities since 2011.
Three other soldiers were injured, two being stable in the United States and one treated in Syria.
The community lined the streets to honor the return.

History

Historical Context

The Iowa National Guard's last fatalities during military operations occurred in 2011, amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Since 2001, over 4,400 American service members have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, with recent losses in Syria highlighting the persistent threat from ISIS. This underscores the lasting impact of global terrorism on military families and local communities.

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Story summary

On December 24, 2025, the remains of Iowa National Guard Staff Sgts. William Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar were returned to Iowa.
They were killed by an ISIS gunman in Syria on December 13, 2025.
This marked the first Iowa National Guard fatalities since 2011.
Three other soldiers were injured, two being stable in the United States and one treated in Syria.
The community lined the streets to honor the return.

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