U.S. Military Eliminates Al Qaeda Leader in Northwest Syria
U.S. forces successfully eliminated an Al Qaeda leader in a strike in northwest Syria on Friday. This operation targeted Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, who was linked to an ISIS shooter responsible for a deadly ambush on American personnel last month.
Details of the Operation
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the death of al-Jasim, describing him as “an experienced terrorist leader.” His connections to an ISIS ambush in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13 were highlighted. In that attack, two U.S. service members and an American interpreter lost their lives, with other personnel injured.
Background of the Attack
- Attack Date: December 13
- Affected Personnel: Two U.S. service members and one American interpreter killed
- Injured: Other American and Syrian personnel
Official Responses
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted on X that U.S. partner forces had killed the shooter involved in the ambush. Admiral Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, emphasized the U.S. commitment to addressing threats, stating, “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters.”
Retaliation and Operations
President Donald Trump condemned the December ambush, labeling it “an ISIS attack against the U.S.” The Defense Department characterized the latest strike as part of a counterterrorism effort. This comes amid a broader operation known as Hawkeye Strike, which has intensified U.S. military actions in Syria.
- Operation Name: Hawkeye Strike
- Targets Struck: Over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites
- Precision Munitions Used: Over 200
Since the initiation of operations in December, U.S. forces have successfully captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and eliminated over 20 terrorists in Syria. These actions are aimed at removing individuals who threaten both the United States and regional stability.
