Syria: American Family Trapped

Operation: GRAHAM CRACKER

a family in peril

In July 2025, brutal sectarian violence erupted in Southern Syria, and an American family found themselves trapped in medieval level violence. After exhausting every option — calling their Senators, Congressional Representatives, the State Department, even the FBI — they had nowhere left to turn. That’s when Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) office contacted Grey Bull Rescue at the family’s urging, requesting assistance to get Senator Graham’s constituents to safety. Grey Bull Rescue answered the call.

survival on the line

While American families were being brutally executed in the streets — scenes broadcast openly on social media — Desiree Gomez, a school principal, and her husband Mohamad Shokair, a General Electric employee, along with their 18-month-old daughter, found themselves surrounded by violent jihadist fighters advancing through their area.

Operation: GRAHAM CRACKER allowed zero room for error — just a week earlier, U.S. citizen Hosam Saraya, from Oklahoma, was brutally executed in the streets alongside his family, only 15 minutes away from where the Gomez family was in hiding. The shooters fired relentlessly into Hosam Saraya’s body for several minutes, and the horrific scene was captured on social media.

unmatched tradecraft

Under the cover of night, our elite team of Intelligence Community & Special Operations veterans, who were boots-on-ground devised a delicate plan using tribal dynamics, culture, language, religion, deception, technology, and a deep understanding of the threat paired with expert tradecraft. The team initiated the rescue operation moving on hidden routes, using coded signals, advanced technology, and other clandestine tactics to slip through the enemy checkpoints staffed with heavily-armed blood-thirsty militants. Every mile demanded the unmatched expertise, talent, and experience. Grey Bull Rescue, as always, attempted the impossible.

safe & sound

The GRAHAM CRACKER American family returned home to South Carolina, safe, draped in an American flag accompanied by the ops team. Grey Bull Rescue’s tradecraft, precision, and courage secured more than an escape—it secured a future. This young child will now be raised under the banner of freedom, not fear. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) offices were present for our return home and publicly commended Grey Bull Rescue.