U.S. forces struck a target in northwest Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, whom CENTCOM described as an experienced Al Qaeda–affiliated leader linked to the Dec. 13 ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. service members and an interpreter. CENTCOM called the strike part of sustained counterterrorism operations, including the Hawkeye Strike campaign, which has targeted more than 100 ISIS sites with over 200 precision munitions. Officials say these actions aim to prevent future attacks and protect U.S. personnel and partners.
U.S. Strike Kills Al Qaeda-Linked Leader In Northwest Syria Tied To December Ambush
U.S. Central Command said the strike killed an Al Qaeda affiliate leader tied to an ISIS shooter who ambushed and killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter last month. (Susan Walsh / AP file)(Susan Walsh)
U.S. forces conducted a precision strike in northwest Syria on Friday that killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a leader the U.S. Central Command described as an experienced Al Qaeda–affiliated militant with ties to an ISIS ambush near Palmyra on Dec. 13.
What Officials Say
CENTCOM said al-Jasim "plotted attacks and maintained a direct connection" to the attacker in the December ambush that killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter and wounded other American and Syrian personnel. The command described the strike as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations to protect U.S. forces and regional partners.
"The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces," Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said in a statement. "There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you."
Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in December that partner forces had killed the individual who carried out the Palmyra attack, and CENTCOM’s latest statement links al-Jasim to that plot rather than identifying him as the direct shooter.
Broader Campaign: Hawkeye Strike
The strike comes amid an intensified U.S. campaign dubbed "Hawkeye Strike." CENTCOM said the operation has targeted more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites using over 200 precision munitions, beginning in December and continuing into the present. Over the past year, U.S. and partner forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 across Syria, actions CENTCOM says reduced threats to U.S. personnel and regional security.
The U.S. military characterized the Dec. 13 incident as occurring during a counterterrorism engagement. CENTCOM said the recent action is part of sustained efforts to deter future attacks and to dismantle militant networks that threaten American forces and regional stability.
This article is based on a CENTCOM news release and reporting originally published on NBCNews.com.
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