Washington | The United States has confirmed the killing of a infamous terrorist leader linked to Al-Qaeda in the third round of retaliatory strikes carried out in Syria. According to US officials, the militant was directly connected to an Islamic State (IS) operative responsible for a deadly ambush last month in Syria that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that a precision strike conducted in northwestern Syria resulted in the death of Bilal Hassan al-Jasim. CENTCOM described him as a top terrorist planner who played a direct role in the December 13 attack that claimed the lives of Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and US civilian interpreter Ayad Mansour Sakat.
Confirming the operation, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the strike sent a clear message to terrorist groups operating in the region. “The elimination of the terrorist linked to the deaths of three Americans underscores our unwavering resolve to pursue those who attack our forces. There is no safe haven for individuals who plan, enable or carry out attacks against US citizens and service members. We will find you,” he said.
US officials said the strike was part of a broader military campaign ordered by President Donald Trump following the deadly ambush on American personnel. The campaign aims to disrupt and dismantle remnants of ISIS attempting to regroup amid shifting political conditions in Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.
CENTCOM further stated that the ongoing operation, codenamed “Hawkeye Strike,” has targeted more than 100 ISIS-related sites linked to infrastructure, logistics and weapons. The campaign is being carried out in coordination with US partners, including Jordan and Syria, as part of efforts to prevent extremist groups from regaining operational strength in the region.
The United States has reiterated that it will continue targeted counterterrorism operations to protect its forces and prevent future attacks, maintaining pressure on terrorist networks operating in Syria and neighboring areas.
