U.S. Airstrike Eliminates Al-Qaeda Leader Linked to Deadly ISIS Ambush in Syria
A U.S. airstrike in northwest Syria has killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda affiliate leader connected to a December attack that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.
A U.S. airstrike in northwest Syria on January 16 resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda affiliate leader directly linked to a December 13, 2025, attack that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra, Syria.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described al-Jasim as an experienced terrorist leader connected to the ISIS gunman responsible for the December ambush. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated,
"The death of a terrorist operative linked to the death of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces."
This operation is part of "Operation Hawkeye Strike," initiated in December 2025 following the Palmyra attack. The campaign has targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, aiming to disrupt and degrade terrorist activities in the region.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the operation, writing on X,
"We will never forget, and never relent."
The U.S. maintains a military presence in Syria as part of its ongoing mission to combat ISIS and affiliated groups.
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