Army IDs Service Members Killed In Islamic State Ambush In SyriaThe Army on Monday identified the two U.S. service members killed over the weekend in Syria as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa.A civilian interpreter was also killed in the ambush by an Islamic State member, and three other Guardsmen were wounded.“Our hearts are with their families, loved ones and the Iowa National Guard during this time of profound sorrow,” said National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus in a statement. “We honor their courage and sacrifice, and we will never forget them or their service.”Our entire National Guard family mourns the loss of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa-the Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers who were ambushed and killed in Syria. Their mission was in support of… pic.twitter.com/eXcyCquOwb— Gen. Steven Nordhaus (@ChiefNGB) December 15, 2025See All UpdatesClose