U.S. military, civilians killed in Syria

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack in town of Manbij

BEIRUT — Two U.S. service members and two American civilians were among those killed in an explosion while conducting a patrol in Syria on Wednesday, the U.S. military said.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the morning attack, which local groups said killed 16 people in the U.s.-patrolled town of Manbij.

U.S. Central Command said one of the civilians was employed by the Defense Department and the other was a contractor. The names of the American victims were being withheld until their families could be notified.

Video released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area.

A security camera showed a busy street, and then a ball of fire engulfing people and others running for cover as the blast went off.

Not long after the attack Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence spoke of the Islamic State’s defeat. Speaking at the State Department, Pence said the “caliphate has crumbled” and the militant network “has been defeated.” Later in the day he released a statement condemning the attack but affirming the Trump administration’s Syria withdrawal plan.

“As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to re-establish their evil and murderous caliphate — not now, not ever,” he said.

Others, however, pointed to the attack as a reason to reverse or adjust the withdrawal plan.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump backer and prominent voice on foreign affairs on Capitol Hill, said during a committee hearing Wednesday he is concerned that President Donald Trump’s withdrawal announcement had emboldened the Islamic State and created dangerous uncertainty for American allies.

“I know people are frustrated, but we’re never going to be safe here unless we are willing to help people over there who will stand up against this radical ideology,” he said.