Trump says ISIS attack in Syria ‘has nothing to do’ with Syrian government

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) — US President Donald Trump on Monday said a recent ISIS attack in central Syria that killed three Americans was not linked to Syria’s government, reaffirming confidence in President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

“This is a part of Syria that they really don’t have much control over,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “This had to do with ISIS.”

The attack, which occurred in the Homs countryside over the weekend, killed two US troops and a civilian, and wounded three others, according to US Central Command. Trump described Sharaa as a “strong man” who “feels very badly about” the incident and praised the Syrian leader’s efforts to address security threats.

“The new leader is a strong person, and that’s what you need,” Trump said. “This is a rough part of the world, and it’s been amazing what’s taken place in Syria.” He added that the US presence in Syria is aimed at ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East.

The US maintains roughly 1,000 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition against ISIS.

Following the attack, Syrian security forces launched an operation in Homs, arresting five suspected ISIS militants.

President Sharaa also sent condolences to Trump and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to security and stability.

Trump vowed that ISIS would be “hit hard” in retaliation for the ambush, emphasizing that the attack occurred in areas outside the Syrian government’s control.

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region despite Syria’s recent cooperation with the US-led coalition, which the country formally joined in November 2025.