At a Glance
- U.S. forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda affiliate leader, in northwest Syria on Friday
- Al-Jasim was directly connected to the Dec. 13 ISIS ambush that killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter
- The strike is part of ongoing Operation Hawkeye Strike, which has hit over 100 ISIS targets with 200+ precision munitions
- Why it matters: The operation shows continued U.S. resolve to eliminate terrorists who target American forces
A U.S. military strike in northwest Syria on Friday killed a senior terrorist leader linked to last month’s deadly ISIS ambush that claimed three American lives, according to U.S. Central Command.
The precision strike eliminated Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described by the military as “an experienced terrorist leader” with direct ties to the Dec. 13 attack in Palmyra, Syria.
The Target
Al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda affiliate leader, had been actively plotting attacks against U.S. and partner forces. Military officials confirmed he was directly connected to the ISIS shooter who carried out the deadly ambush last month.
In that attack:
- Two U.S. service members were killed
- One American interpreter lost their life
- Multiple American and Syrian personnel were injured
The incident occurred during a counterterrorism engagement, according to the Defense Department.
Presidential Response and Military Action
President Donald Trump immediately labeled the December incident “an ISIS attack against the U.S.” and vowed retaliation. Within weeks, U.S. forces launched large-scale strikes across Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
The operation’s results so far:
- Over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites destroyed
- More than 200 precision munitions deployed
- Over 300 ISIS operatives captured
- More than 20 terrorists killed
These actions have “removed terrorists who posed a direct threat to the United States and regional security,” Central Command stated.
Military Leadership Speaks
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the strike’s significance: “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 place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced on X in December that U.S. partner forces had killed the actual shooter who carried out the Palmyra attack.
Ongoing Operations
The latest strike represents part of a broader campaign against ISIS remnants in Syria. The terrorist group, also known as IS, has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations and multiple countries including the United States.
Operation Hawkeye Strike began in December 2024, targeting ISIS strongholds across Syria. The campaign continues as U.S. and partner forces work to dismantle remaining terrorist infrastructure and eliminate threats to American personnel.
Key Takeaways
- Bilal Hasan al-Jasim’s death marks a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in Syria
- The operation demonstrates U.S. commitment to holding terrorists accountable for attacks on American forces
- Ongoing strikes have severely degraded ISIS capabilities across the region
- U.S. officials maintain there is “no safe place” for those targeting American citizens or military personnel
