The ancient city of Palmyra, a hauntingly beautiful ruin in Syria, became the site of a devastating loss this past weekend. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a 54-year-old civilian interpreter, was killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of two American soldiers.
Sakat’s life began far from the Syrian desert, in the Iraqi town of Bakhdida. He bravely served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army during the tumultuous Iraq invasion, a period stretching from 2003 to 2007, risking his own safety to bridge a critical communication gap.
The weight of this loss resonated deeply enough to draw President Donald Trump to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. There, he participated in the dignified transfer of Sakat’s remains, alongside those of the fallen soldiers, a solemn tribute to their sacrifice.
Those soldiers were identified as Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Both served with the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, a unit of the Iowa National Guard deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The circumstances surrounding the attack are still under intense scrutiny. The Department of the Army has launched a full investigation to determine the precise details of what transpired in Syria.
Initial reports indicate a deliberate act of violence. According to a Pentagon spokesperson, an attacker opened fire on the service members and Sakat, leaving three others wounded. The group was engaged in a crucial meeting with local leaders, furthering counter-ISIS operations.
Intelligence assessments suggest the attack likely originated from ISIS, occurring in a region not under the control of the Syrian interim government. The area’s instability underscores the ongoing dangers faced by those working to bring stability to the region.
Ayad Mansoor Sakat leaves behind a grieving family: his wife, Manahel Daau, and their four daughters, Zeena, Leena, Dina, and Farah. Their loss is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, and the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to service and understanding.
