Washington has blamed ISIL (ISIS) for the attack and promised retaliation.
Three US soldiers have been killed in an attack in Syria’s central city of Palmyra.
It is the first known deadly attack on US forces since former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was deposed last year. Washington has accused the ISIL (ISIS) group of carrying out the assault.
The government in Damascus has expanded its ties with Washington and joined a coalition to fight the ISIL group.
But how much of a security challenge is ISIL in Syria?
Will the US now reinforce its military presence? What risks could that pose?
Presenter: Dareen Abughaida
Guests:
Colin Clarke – executive director of The Soufan Center
Dareen Khalifa – senior adviser at the International Crisis Group
Orwa Ajjoub – PhD candidate in global politics, focusing on armed groups in Syria
Published On 15 Dec 2025