Trump, Hegseth, Caine, Nordhaus Honor Soldiers, Interpreter Killed in Syria

View Online Trump, Hegseth, Caine, Nordhaus Honor Soldiers, Interpreter Killed in Syria Dec. 17, 2025 |  By David Vergun President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, attended a dignified transfer today at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.  The fallen are Army Sgts. William Howard and Edgar Torres Tovar, both assigned to 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who was working as an interpreter. They were deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.    They died Dec. 13 in Palmyra, Syria, from injuries sustained while engaging with hostile forces.  Earlier in the week, leaders commented on the news.  "We mourn the loss, and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones," Trump said.  In a social media post, Hegseth asked the nation to join him in "prayer for the souls of the brave soldiers ... who were killed by Islamic terrorists in Syria," adding, "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."    Nordhaus said in a social media post that the entire National Guard family mourns their loss.  "Our hearts are with their families, loved ones and the Iowa National Guard during this time of profound sorrow," he added. "We honor their courage and sacrifice, and we will never forget them or their service."

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