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Syria Attack: Joint US Patrol Ambushed Near Palmyra, Several Wounded

A joint security patrol involving Syrian forces and US troops was ambushed by gunfire near the historic city of Palmyra. The attack resulted in several wounded personnel from both sides, and the assailant was reportedly killed. In response, traffic on a major highway was stopped and security was heightened across the region. The incident occurs amid a political transition, with interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa outlining a vision for a "new Syria."

Key Points: US-Syria Joint Patrol Attacked Near Palmyra, Casualties Reported

  • Joint patrol of Syrian and US forces targeted by gunfire near Palmyra
  • Several US personnel and two Syrian security members were wounded in the assault
  • US troops evacuated their wounded to the Al-Tanf military base near the Iraqi border
  • The attack prompted a temporary halt to traffic on the key Deir al-Zour-Damascus highway
2 min read

Joint Syria-US patrol attacked near central Syria, several wounded

A joint US-Syrian security patrol was attacked near Palmyra, wounding personnel from both sides. The assailant was killed and traffic halted on a major highway.

"We announce a historic break with past legacies ... toward a new dawn based on justice, compassion, citizenship and coexistence. - Ahmed al-Sharaa"

Damascus, Dec 13

A joint patrol of Syrian security forces and US troops came under gunfire near the city of Palmyra in central Syria on Saturday, leaving several personnel from both sides wounded, Syrian state media reported.

Two Syrian security members and several US personnel were wounded in the incident, while the attacker was killed, SANA news agency reported, citing a Syrian security source.

The US troops have evacuated the wounded to its military base in southeastern Syria's Al-Tanf area, near the strategic border junction with Iraq and Jordan, it reported, without providing further details on the attack.

Following the incident, traffic on the Deir al-Zour-Damascus highway was temporarily halted, and increased aerial activity was observed as security measures were tightened in the region, it reported.

There was no immediate comment from the US side, Xinhua news agency reported.

Currently, there are fewer than 1,000 US troops still stationed in Syria in what Pentagon said is part of the efforts to help counter Islamic State militants there.

Earlier this week, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa outlined his vision for governance, aiming to build a "new Syria" anchored in justice, national unity, and renewed regional engagement.

His address marked the first anniversary of what the interim authorities describe as the country's "liberation," which led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's government.

"We announce a historic break with past legacies ... toward a new dawn based on justice, compassion, citizenship and coexistence," he said during a ceremony at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Monday.

Al-Sharaa highlighted that the current phase requires a shift from political change to institution-building. "The end of our battle was only the beginning of a new one in the fields of work and diligence, comparing words with deeds and values with practice."

He added that the interim authorities had toured provinces to listen to local concerns and accordingly prepared what he called a comprehensive vision for rebuilding state institutions and improving public services.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The article mentions a "new Syria" but the attack shows how fragile peace is. Rebuilding institutions is one thing, but security on the ground is another. My heart goes out to all the wounded personnel and their families. 🙏
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Aman W
From an Indian perspective, we understand long conflicts. The Syrian leader's vision sounds good on paper – justice, unity, engagement. But the real test is delivering it to common people while foreign powers have a presence. A tough road ahead.
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Sarah B
The report says the US evacuated their wounded to Al-Tanf. That base is near the Iraq/Jordan border – a very strategic location. This isn't just a random patrol; it's in a key area. Makes you wonder about the attacker's motives and backing.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, the article seems to present the interim authority's view positively. What about the millions displaced? "Liberation" for some is chaos for others. India should advocate for a truly inclusive political solution, not just a change of flag.
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Nisha Z
Palmyra is a historic site. It's sad that even ancient heritage isn't safe from modern conflict. Hope the security tightening doesn't harm the archaeological remains. The world has already lost too much there.

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