United States military forces have successfully eliminated a senior al-Qaeda commander in northwestern Syria, according to an official statement from US Central Command (Centcom). The targeted operation, conducted on Friday, resulted in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described as having direct operational ties to the Islamic State terrorist responsible for the December 2025 ambush that killed three American service members.
The precision strike represents the latest development in Operation Hawkeye Strike, the ongoing US counterterrorism campaign launched in response to the Palmyra attack that claimed American lives. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized the significance of the operation, stating: ‘The elimination of this terrorist operative directly connected to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our unwavering resolve in pursuing those who attack our forces. There is no safe haven for those who plot against American citizens and our military personnel.’
Since initiating the campaign in mid-December, US forces have conducted extensive operations against terrorist infrastructure across Syria. Military data reveals strikes against more than 100 weapons sites and operational facilities using approximately 200 precision-guided munitions. In a separate series of operations between December 20-29, nearly 25 Islamic State operatives were either killed or captured in 11 distinct missions.
The security situation in Syria remains complex following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, which concluded 13 years of civil war. Current President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) maintains control through his former rebel faction, though terrorist elements continue to operate despite significantly degraded capabilities. Islamic State forces, while weakened, remain active primarily in northeastern regions where they frequently target Kurdish-led defense forces.