Middle East Forum analyst Eric Navarro spoke with Newsmax about a deadly attack on U.S. forces in Syria and what it reveals about America’s ongoing military engagement in the region. They discussed the threat of insider radicalization, the responsibilities facing Syria’s new leadership, and why a continued U.S. presence is critical to deterring terrorist activity and protecting American interests.
NAVARRO: I wouldn’t want to speculate on the number of troops, but it’s just a reminder that we are actively engaged in the region. It continues to be a dangerous area. I actually see this as a test of the newly forged relationship between the United States and the new president of Syria. Do they have the ability to control their own country? Do they have the ability to eliminate the terrorist elements there?
NAVARRO: I believe that these were members of the Iowa National Guard. They were there on an anti-ISIS mission, but the perpetrator has been identified as someone who previously worked with Syrian government forces and then was radicalized. That’s always a threat that needs to be addressed by Jelani and his forces, and we need to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
NEWSMAX: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took to X and did not hold back. “Let it be known, if you target Americans anywhere in the world, you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.” Colonel, that’s a strong response from the secretary right there. Your reaction?
NAVARRO: Well, of course he’s going to say that, but actions speak louder than words. Obviously, we will take action. We will gather intelligence about where these forces are, and we will eliminate them. That doesn’t mean the mission is over. People need to understand that we are engaged throughout this region to press and secure U.S. interests for our allies, and it’s a constant battle every single day. The threats don’t go away.
NAVARRO: If we pull back, if we reduce our presence, the threats will metastasize and have a greater impact on our allies in the region—and even pose a threat to the U.S. population. So we must press and retaliate and show that if you attack U.S. forces, you will die.
