Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus
Damascus, Dec 13: A joint patrol involving Syrian security forces and US troops came under gunfire on Saturday near the historic city of Palmyra in central Syria, leaving personnel from both sides injured, according to Syrian state media.
The SANA news agency, citing a Syrian security source, reported that two Syrian security personnel and several US troops were wounded in the attack. The assailant was shot dead during the exchange of fire. US forces reportedly evacuated their injured personnel to the Al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria, close to the Iraq–Jordan border.
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the Deir al-Zour–Damascus highway, while security was tightened across the region. Increased aerial movement was also observed as part of heightened precautionary measures. The US military has not issued an immediate response to the incident.
The Pentagon has previously stated that fewer than 1,000 US troops remain deployed in Syria as part of ongoing efforts to counter Islamic State militants operating in the region.
The attack comes amid a politically sensitive period in Syria. Earlier this week, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa outlined a roadmap for building what he described as a “new Syria,” centred on justice, national reconciliation and renewed regional engagement. His speech marked one year since the interim authorities announced what they called the country’s “liberation,” which resulted in the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Addressing a ceremony in Damascus, al-Sharaa said the focus must now shift from political change to institution-building, stressing the need to translate promises into action. He said interim leaders had consulted communities across provinces and prepared a comprehensive plan to rebuild state institutions and improve public services.
The latest security incident near Palmyra underscores the fragile situation on the ground as Syria navigates ongoing security challenges alongside efforts at political and administrative restructuring.