News Summary
A Spartanburg family, including an assistant principal, was rescued from Syria following a surge in militia violence. Their safe extraction involved coordinated efforts by the U.S. State Department, Grey Bull Rescue, and Senator Lindsey Graham, highlighting the dangers of travel to high-risk regions. Despite their safe return, the family remains concerned for relatives still in Syria, emphasizing the ongoing threats posed by the conflict.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – A family from Spartanburg was successfully rescued from Syria after being caught in escalating militia violence. Desiree Gomez, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary School, her husband Mohamad Shokair, and their 18-month-old daughter Salma were extracted thanks to a coordinated effort involving the U.S. State Department, Grey Bull Rescue, and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
The family’s ordeal began while visiting Syria, a country that has been under a Level 4 travel advisory since March 2025, warning against travel due to risks such as terrorism and civil unrest. Gomez, Shokair, and their daughter initially felt safe during their visit, but the situation rapidly deteriorated. Violence erupted in As Suwayda, leading to clashes between pro-government gunmen and members of the Druze minority sect. Gomez later described the violence as “on a medieval scale,” highlighting the severity and chaos surrounding them.
Due to the increasing violence and their loss of communication with the outside world, a family member in the U.S. reached out to Grey Bull Rescue for assistance. This nonprofit organization, which is led by veterans, specializes in high-risk extraction missions and has successfully completed over 760 global rescue missions, saving more than 8,500 individuals.
Grey Bull Rescue initiated a daring extraction operation code-named “Graham Cracker.” This high-stakes mission was characterized by the use of advanced tactics and secretive logistics reminiscent of a “Schindler’s List” style endeavor. Rescue teams navigated through armed conflicts, using secret passwords and intricate planning to ensure the family’s safe passage.
As the extraction neared, the situation remained perilous. A tragic incident occurred close to the family’s extraction rally point, where 26 individuals were killed shortly after they had passed. The rapid escalation of violence put immense pressure on the rescue team, who had to act urgently amidst the growing chaos.
The combined efforts of the State Department and Senator Graham were vital in coordinating resources and support for the rescue mission. Senator Graham underscored the critical nature of adhering to travel advisories, warning Americans to exercise extreme caution when considering travel to high-risk areas like Syria.
On July 23, 2025, after what was described as an emotionally taxing experience, the family arrived back at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. They were warmly welcomed by friends and community members, who greeted them with cheers and handmade signs expressing their relief and joy at the family’s safe return.
Desiree Gomez expressed heartfelt gratitude for being home, but her concern extended to family members who remain in Syria, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by those still in the region. The collective support from the community, including staff from Lyman Elementary School, provided much-needed encouragement as the family navigated their ordeal.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of travel safety, particularly in areas with heightened risks. The ongoing conflict in Syria presents significant challenges for both residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the necessity for heightened awareness and caution when traveling abroad.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Syria
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Spartanburg family rescue Syria
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Syrian Civil War
- WYFF 4
- WSPA
- WRDW
- Google News: Syria rescue Spartanburg family
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
