U.S. Strike in Syria Kills Al-Qaeda-Affiliated Leader Linked to December Attack

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a strike in northwest Syria on January 16 resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader. Al-Jasim was directly connected to the ISIS gunman responsible for the December 13 ambush in Palmyra, Syria, which killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

"The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces," said CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper. "There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We ... ."

In response to the December attack, CENTCOM launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeting ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites across Syria. The operation has resulted in U.S. ... partner forces striking more than 100 ISIS targets with over 200 precision munitions.

Over the past year, U.S. and partner forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 across Syria, aiming to remove terrorists posing direct threats to the United States and regional security.