PALMYRA, SYRIA — Both Iowa Army National Guard soldiers killed in a terrorist ambush in Syria have now been identified, along with the civilian interpreter who died alongside them, as state and military officials continue to investigate the attack and support the affected families.
The soldiers were Sgt. William “Nate” Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, and Sgt. Edgar Torres, both assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, according to multiple reports and family confirmations. The civilian interpreter killed in the attack was identified as Ayad Sakat, whose family requested that his name and photo be publicly included.
The deadly ambush occurred early Saturday near Palmyra, Syria, when a lone ISIS gunman opened fire on U.S. forces during a key leader engagement in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counterterrorism operations. U.S. Central Command said the attacker was later engaged and killed by U.S. and partner Syrian forces. Three additional Iowa National Guard soldiers were wounded in the attack.
Soldier identities confirmed by families
Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn confirmed Sunday that his son, Sgt. William “Nate” Howard, was among those killed. In a Facebook post, Bunn described the devastating notification his family received.
“My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have,” Bunn wrote. “Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer.”
Bunn described Howard as a soldier who lived the profession.
“He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind,” he wrote. “Nate was a dedicated Soldier through and through.”
Bunn later said the family of the fallen civilian interpreter reached out and asked that his identity be publicly acknowledged.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Interpreter Ayad Sakat, a hero helping our soldiers,” Bunn wrote.
Howard’s wife, Arianna Howard, told local media that her husband was “funny, smart, and an amazing husband,” adding that she was still in shock over his death.
“I thought it was just going to be a normal patrol week for him,” she said.
Howard, a Marshalltown High School graduate from the Class of 2014, worked as a laser engraving specialist at Emerson in his civilian career and was a member of UAW Local 893. The union shared a tribute Sunday honoring his service, describing him as a soldier and worker who embodied loyalty, service, and solidarity.
Howard had previously deployed to Kosovo in 2020 and was preparing to re-enlist for what would have been his 12th year of service. He had planned to complete a full 20-year career in the Iowa National Guard.
He is survived by his wife Arianna, his mother Misty, his stepfather Jeff Bunn, his biological father Brian Howard of Colorado, and his brother Staff Sgt. James Roelsgard, who is currently deployed with the Iowa National Guard and will escort his brother home.
State confirms second soldier killed
The second fallen Guardsman was identified as Sgt. Edgar Torres, also of the Iowa Army National Guard. Iowa Guard officials have confirmed his death as part of the same attack. Additional biographical details have not yet been released.
Torres and Howard are the first Iowa Army National Guard members killed in combat since Sgt. Terryl L. Pasker, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
Injuries and mission details
Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, said one wounded soldier sustained superficial injuries and was treated and returned to base. Two others suffered significant injuries and were evacuated to a military hospital at an air base in Jordan, where they remain in stable condition and are improving.
“The entire Iowa National Guard grieves for this terrible loss,” Osborn said. “Our priority is supporting the families of our fallen and wounded Soldiers.”
Approximately 1,800 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team began deploying to the Middle East in late May 2025 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led mission to advise and assist partner forces in defeating ISIS.
National response
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth condemned the attack and vowed retaliation, calling it the first U.S. combat fatalities in Syria since 2019. The deaths also mark the first American military casualties in Syria since the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said she personally contacted the families of the fallen soldiers.
“Our hearts are heavy today,” Reynolds said. “I ask that all Iowans stand united in supporting them and lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time.”
As tributes continue to pour in from across Iowa, state and Guard officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details will be released as appropriate.
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