In a tragic development over the weekend, two U.S. Army soldiers lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Syria, with their identities now confirmed. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has pledged a strong response from the United States, while condolences pour in for the fallen heroes.
Following the release of their names by the Department of War on Monday, Hegseth called upon the nation to honor Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard through prayer and remembrance.
“Today, I ask you to join me in prayer for our valiant Army Soldiers Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, who tragically lost their lives to Islamic terrorists in Syria over the weekend,” Hegseth declared in his statement. “Our sympathies are with their families, and we offer prayers for solace and strength during this difficult period of mourning.”
The Iowa National Guard reported that the soldiers were killed on Saturday, December 13, near Palmyra, Syria, as per the Department of War’s casualty release protocols.
Sgt. William Howard (left) and Sgt. Edgar Torres-Tovar (right) perished on December 13, 2025, in Palmyra, Syria. (Iowa National Guard)
Howard, aged 29 from Marshalltown, Iowa, and Torres Tovar, aged 25 from Grimes, Iowa, were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. Their deployment to the Middle East was in support of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, contributing to Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led initiative aiding partner forces in their fight against ISIS.
“Today, we honor the memory and sacrifice of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres Tovar by sharing their names with a grateful state and nation,” Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, said. “They were dedicated professionals and cherished members of our Guard family who represented the best of Iowa. Our focus now is providing unwavering support to their families through this unimaginable time and ensuring the legacy of these two heroes is never forgotten.”
Three additional soldiers from the Iowa National Guard were wounded in the attack, officials said. Two were medically evacuated and are in stable condition. A third was treated locally and is in good condition. Their names were not released under Department of War policy.
The Senate took a key step toward advancing the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which would unlock roughly $901 billion for the Pentagon and defense-related policies on Monday. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Officials said the soldiers and a civilian interpreter were conducting a key leader engagement with local partners in support of ongoing counter-ISIS operations when the attacker opened fire. Initial assessments indicate the assault was likely carried out by an ISIS-affiliated gunman operating outside the area controlled by interim Syrian authorities.
Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn identified his son, Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, as one of the soldiers killed, describing him in a Facebook post as a devoted servicemember who “would be the first in and last out.”
“Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world,” Bunn wrote. “We will see you again son, until then we have i[t] from here.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in the state to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen soldiers, saying the state mourns their sacrifice.
“Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar served our state and nation with honor, and in doing so, gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Reynolds wrote in a statement on X. “Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences to their families and ask that Iowans stand united in support of them during this difficult time.”
Hegseth said the sacrifice of the fallen Americans will not go unanswered.
“The United States of America will avenge these fallen Americans with overwhelming force,” he said. “Their memory will live on through their families, their fellow warriors still serving our country, and in my unwavering commitment to our warfighters around the globe.”
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
