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US strike eliminates al-Qaeda operative tied to American deaths
American forces conducted an airstrike in northwest Syria on Friday that killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda leader with direct connections to an Islamic State militant responsible for the December attack that left three US service members dead, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.
Connection to December ambush
According to CENTCOM, al-Jasim maintained direct ties to the IS gunman who carried out the December 13 ambush near Palmyra, central Syria, which resulted in the deaths of three Americans and injuries to additional US and Syrian personnel. The BBC has not independently confirmed these claims.
"Eliminating a terrorist linked to the deaths of three Americans underscores our commitment to tracking down those who target our forces," stated CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper. "There is no refuge for individuals who plan, execute, or inspire attacks against American citizens and our troops. We will locate and hold them accountable."
Ongoing counterterrorism operations
Since the December 13 attack, the US has intensified its military actions against IS targets in Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike. CENTCOM reports that over 100 IS infrastructure and weapons sites have been struck using more than 200 precision-guided munitions.
Between December 20 and December 29, CENTCOM conducted 11 missions that resulted in the death or capture of nearly 25 IS operatives, according to an earlier statement.
Syria's fragile post-war landscape
Syria remains in a precarious state following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, which effectively concluded a 13-year civil war. Ahmed al-Sharaa, known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has served as president since his rebel faction overthrew Assad and consolidated power.
Although IS has been significantly weakened in Syria, the group continues to operate, primarily targeting Kurdish-led forces in the northeast throughout 2025.
Next steps
CENTCOM has not disclosed whether additional strikes are planned but emphasized its ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the region.
