Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations condemned “the cowardly terrorist ambush” on U.S. personnel in Syria on December 13. The attack killed two American servicemen, a civilian interpreter and wounded others. In response, the U.S. military conducted over 70 strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.
“We remain committed to defeating terrorism with our Syrian partners,” declared Ambassador Locetta. “Alongside the Syrian government, we will relentlessly pursue every individual, facilitator, financier, and enabler involved in this heinous act.”
The United States welcomes Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s commitment to identify, pursue, and hold accountable the perpetrators of this attack. “Together, we will eradicate terrorism in Syria,” said Ambassador Locetta.
This month, Syrians marked the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and welcomed their new chance for peace, unity, and prosperity. The United States honors their resilience and joins them in celebrating the shared hope for a future that belongs to the Syrian people.
As President Trump stated earlier this month, the United States is working to make sure that the government of Syria continues to do what it can to build a unified country.
“Our vision for a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria, is at peace with itself and with its neighbors,” said Ambassador Locetta. “A Syria at peace with itself is one in which the future of the country belongs to every Syrian. The United States reaffirms our support for a peaceful, prosperous Syria that includes its minorities.”
“Peace among neighbors, including between Israel and Syria, is a critical component of this vision, and we want to do everything we can to help achieve that,” stressed Ambassador Locetta.
The U.S. has ceased most of its sanctions on Syria to encourage business and commercial development in the area and allow Syria a chance to rebuild.
The U.S. also continues to support and facilitate dialogue between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. “We are focused on maintaining this positive momentum on the implementation of and recommitment to the March 10 integration agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government.”
At the same time, the United States continues to support vulnerable populations in Syria, particularly the minorities in the country’s south.
As Syria enters the second year of its transition, said Ambassador Locetta, “let us continue to work to support the Syrian government’s efforts to build a stable and prosperous country.”
US Committed to Defeating Terrorism in Syria
President Donald Trump, top military personnel and Iowa state officials honored two members of the Iowa National Guard and a civilian interpreter killed in Syria, in a solemn dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, December 17, 2025.
Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations condemned “the cowardly terrorist ambush” on U.S. personnel in Syria on December 13.