US Military Strikes Back: Targeting Al-Qaeda Leader Linked to Deadly Ambush in Syria

US Military Responds to Deadly Attack in Syria

Washington: In a decisive move, the United States military executed a third airstrike in Syria following a deadly ambush that resulted in the deaths of three Americans last month. The US Central Command confirmed that the operation led to the elimination of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda-linked leader associated with the attack.

The strike took place in northwest Syria on January 16, targeting al-Jasim, who was identified by US officials as a senior terrorist figure with direct connections to the ISIS gunman responsible for the December 13 ambush in Palmyra, which claimed the lives of two US service members and an American civilian interpreter.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized, "We will never forget, and never relent."

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, stated, "The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces. There is no safe haven for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you."

According to CENTCOM, al-Jasim was a seasoned terrorist leader involved in planning attacks and had direct ties to the ISIS gunman who executed the ambush. The attack also resulted in injuries to other American and Syrian personnel.

This strike is part of a series of military actions initiated by the US following the December ambush. CENTCOM reported that this was the third wave of retaliatory strikes against terrorist targets in Syria since the incident.

The latest operation is part of a broader campaign launched after the December 13 attack, referred to as "Hawkeye Strike," aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities throughout Syria.

CENTCOM noted that US and allied forces have targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapon sites across Syria, employing more than 200 precision munitions. These strikes are designed to disrupt the group's ability to plan and execute attacks against US forces and their allies.

In addition to airstrikes, CENTCOM has ramped up ground operations over the past year. The command reported that over 300 ISIS operatives have been captured in Syria, and more than 20 militants have been killed in operations targeting direct threats to US and regional security.

US officials highlighted that the December ambush underscored the persistent threat posed by ISIS cells operating in Syria, despite years of sustained military pressure.

The US maintains several hundred troops in Syria as part of ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and support local partner forces. American officials have consistently warned that US personnel in the region remain at risk from attacks by ISIS operatives and affiliated extremist groups.

In recent years, the United States has conducted periodic airstrikes and special operations in Syria, targeting ISIS leaders and operatives deemed an imminent threat to US forces, allies, or regional stability.