JAKARTA – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of a terrorist assault that targeted a joint Syrian-American security operation near the ancient city of Palmyra, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured.

Official Statement from Riyadh

In an official statement released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s firm denunciation of the attack. “Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the terrorist attack that struck Syrian security forces and U.S. personnel who were conducting a joint counter-terrorism patrol in the vicinity of Palmyra,” the ministry declared.

Casualties and Victims

The assault occurred on Saturday when a collaborative military patrol comprising Syrian security personnel and American troops came under attack near Palmyra. The incident resulted in the deaths of two United States soldiers and one civilian translator, while two Syrian personnel sustained injuries.

Kingdom’s Solidarity with Affected Nations

The Saudi Foreign Ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the governments of the affected countries. The statement also conveyed wishes for swift recovery to those wounded in the attack.

Context of Joint Operations

The targeted patrol was part of ongoing joint anti-terrorism efforts in the region, highlighting the continued security cooperation between Syrian forces and U.S. military personnel in combating extremist threats near historically significant areas like Palmyra.

The Kingdom’s swift condemnation reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent stance against terrorism in all its manifestations and its commitment to supporting international counter-terrorism operations that aim to promote stability and security in the Middle East region.

This incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing forces working to eliminate terrorist elements from Syria’s strategic locations, particularly around culturally significant sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Palmyra.

Original Article:

SANA. (2025, December 14). Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack near Palmyra. Retrieved from https://sana.sy/en/syria-and-the-world/2283550/