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The U.S. military announced that a strike in northwest Syria on Friday (January 15) resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al Qaeda affiliate leader. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described al-Jasim as an "experienced terrorist leader" with direct ties to an ISIS shooter involved in a deadly ambush last month. The ambush, which occurred on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria, resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
The strike is part of a broader U.S. operation called "Hawkeye Strike," ordered by President Donald Trump. The operation aims to target ISIS operatives and infrastructure in Syria, following the attack on U.S. forces. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated, "There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters."
Since the operation began, U.S. and partner forces have targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, capturing more than 300 ISIS operatives and killing over 20 in the past year. President Trump has emphasized the U.S. commitment to inflicting significant damage on those responsible for the attack on U.S. troops.
The strike highlights ongoing efforts by the U.S. military to combat terrorist threats in the region and prevent future attacks on American forces and allies.