The United States military has confirmed the death of an experienced terrorist leader in a series of retaliatory airstrikes in Syria, following a deadly Islamic State ambush last year that killed three Americans.
Retaliation for a Deadly Attack
The operation, conducted on Friday, targeted the northwest of Syria and resulted in the killing of Bilal Hasan al Jasim. US officials stated that Jasim had direct links to the 13 December ambush, which claimed the lives of two US soldiers, Sgt Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard, as well as civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat.
In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) described Jasim as an operative who plotted attacks and was directly connected to the assault. This marked the third round of US strikes in response to the ambush.
'No Safe Place' for Attackers
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, issued a stark warning following the operation. "The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces," he said.
He added a clear message to adversaries: "There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you."
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment in a social media post, writing: "We will never forget, and never relent."
Ongoing Campaign Against ISIS
The ambush and subsequent strikes occur within the context of a broader US campaign against Islamic State elements in Syria. Following the attack, former President Donald Trump authorised an operation against regrouping "ISIS thugs."
The US military claims to have struck more than 100 ISIS targets in Syria in recent operations. American forces are reported to be operating alongside Syrian troops, with US officials noting that Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa was "extremely angry" about the December ambush.
The elimination of Bilal Hasan al Jasim represents a significant blow to the terrorist network responsible for the attack, underscoring the US military's continued focus on counter-terrorism operations in the region.
