A fresh round of US airstrikes in Syria has killed a senior militant linked to Al-Qaeda, marking the third retaliatory action by Washington in response to a deadly ambush last month that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a US civilian interpreter. American officials said the latest strike was carried out in northwest Syria and formed part of a wider campaign to dismantle extremist networks operating in the region.
According to the US Central Command, the strike killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described as a seasoned terrorist leader with operational experience in planning attacks. Officials said he had direct links to the Islamic State operative involved in the December 13 ambush that killed Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. The US military said al-Jasim played a key role in coordinating or facilitating militant activity that endangered American personnel.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation underscored Washington’s determination to track down and eliminate individuals responsible for attacks on US forces. He said the killing of a terrorist figure connected to the deaths of three Americans sent a clear message that there would be no refuge for those who target US citizens or service members, regardless of where they operate.
The strike is part of a broader US military campaign ordered by President Donald Trump following the ambush, aimed at preventing Islamic State fighters from regrouping in the aftermath of the ouster of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad a year ago. US officials believe militant groups are attempting to exploit political instability and security gaps to re-establish their presence and carry out attacks.
Trump has previously emphasised that Syrian forces are fighting alongside American troops and said the United States is expanding cooperation with local and regional security partners as part of a coalition effort against the Islamic State. At the time of the ambush, he said Syria’s current leadership was deeply angered by the attack and committed to working with the US to counter extremist threats.
CENTCOM said the ongoing campaign, codenamed Hawkeye Strike, has involved coordinated action with partners such as Jordan and Syria, resulting in more than 100 strikes on Islamic State infrastructure, weapons depots and logistical sites. US officials said the operation is designed to degrade the group’s ability to reorganise, recruit fighters and plan further attacks in the region.
