The tragic loss of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter, in Palmyra, Syria, over the weekend has brought a somber moment to many. Sakat, aged 54, was originally from Bakhdida, Iraq, and had a significant history of service, having worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army during the Iraq invasion between 2003 and 2007.
In a poignant ceremony, President Donald Trump was present at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to honor the dignified transfer of Sakat’s remains, alongside those of two Iowa National Guard soldiers who also perished in the attack in Syria. This solemn event underscored the sacrifices made by those involved in international operations.
The U.S. Army has identified the fallen soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, Iowa. Both soldiers were engaged in supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at the time of their deaths.
A poignant image captures a U.S. Army carry team carefully moving the transfer case that holds the remains of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who lost his life in the attack on December 13, 2025. This image, captured by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, conveys the gravity of the moment.
Both Sgt. Torres-Tovar and Sgt. Howard were part of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division within the Iowa National Guard. Their service and dedication are remembered as they were engaged in vital missions overseas.
Torres-Tovar and Howard were assigned to 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard.
The Army said the incident remains under investigation.
The service members had been conducting a key leader engagement with local partners in support of ongoing counter-ISIS operations.
A U.S. Army member closes the door of a vehicle carrying flag-draped transfer cases during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Dec. 17, 2025. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
A Pentagon official told Fox News Digital the attack occurred in an area outside the control of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and that initial assessments indicate it was likely carried out by ISIS.
Sakat is survived by his wife, Manahel Daau, and their children: Zeena, Leena, Dina, and Farah.
