Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian U.S. interpreter were killed in an attack in Palmyra, Syria, on Saturday, the Pentagon confirmed. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The attack occurred while the soldiers were working with partnered forces in the area. Details surrounding the nature of the attack, including whether it was a direct assault or resulted from an improvised explosive device, remain under investigation. The Pentagon has not released further specifics about the incident, citing ongoing operational security concerns.

Palmyra, a strategically important city in central Syria, has been the site of previous conflicts and is known for its ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. U.S. forces have been present in Syria as part of the ongoing effort to combat ISIS and support local partners. The presence of U.S. troops in Syria has been a subject of ongoing debate, with varying perspectives on the mission's objectives and risks.

This incident marks a somber reminder of the dangers faced by U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors operating in conflict zones. The Department of Defense is providing support to the families of those killed and is conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the attack to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Further updates will be provided as they become available from the Pentagon.