Washington, Jan 18 (V7N) — The United States military has carried out a deadly strike in northwest Syria, killing a senior militant leader tied to a December ambush that killed three Americans, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

According to CENTCOM, the leader Bilal Hasan al‑Jasim, described as an experienced terrorist with links to al‑Qaeda, was killed in the operation conducted on January 16. He was allegedly connected to the ISIS gunman responsible for the ambush near Palmyra on December 13, 2025, in which two US service members and one civilian interpreter died.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the strike demonstrated the United States’ resolve in pursuing those who attack US forces. “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you,” he said in an official statement.

The operation is part of a broader campaign called “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” launched in response to the December attacks and focused on dismantling ISIS‑affiliated networks. US and partner forces have since targeted more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites using precision munitions and captured or killed numerous militants in the past weeks. 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also reaffirmed the US commitment to retaliating against any attacks on American troops, saying, “We will never forget, and never relent.” 

The strike underscores continuing American military operations in Syria aimed at countering terrorism groups, even as ISIS remains active in parts of the country following years of conflict. 

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