US Military Strike in Syria Kills Al-Qaeda Affiliate Leader Linked to Deadly Ambush
A recent US military strike in northwest Syria has resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a leader affiliated with Al-Qaeda, who was linked to a deadly ISIS attack last month that killed two US Army soldiers and a US civilian interpreter. The strike, conducted by US Central Command on January 16, targeted al-Jasim, who was allegedly directly connected to the ISIS gunman responsible for the deaths of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, and the interpreter, as well as injuring three other US service members in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13.
Background and Context
The US Central Command, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, has been actively pursuing terrorist operatives in the region. The death of al-Jasim is seen as a significant blow to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and demonstrates the US military’s resolve in pursuing those responsible for attacks on American citizens and service members. As Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated, “The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces. There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
Previous Retaliation Efforts
Following the ambush attack last month, President Trump vowed “very serious retaliation” in a Truth Social post. The US subsequently launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria on December 19, hitting over 70 targets. More recently, the US conducted large-scale strikes against multiple Islamic State targets, resulting in the destruction of over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons site targets, as part of operation “Hawkeye Strike”.
Call for De-escalation and Dialogue
In a statement, Cooper urged the Syrian government to stop attacks in areas between Aleppo and al-Tabqa, and welcomed efforts by all parties in Syria to prevent escalation and pursue resolution through dialogue. He emphasized the importance of teamwork among Syrian partners in coordination with US and coalition forces, stating that “A Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors is essential to peace and stability across the region”.
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