The United States has recently executed a lethal strike in Syria targeting a leader affiliated with Al Qaeda. This operation is part of America’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, especially in light of a tragic incident last December.
Details of the Lethal Strike
The strike was conducted on a key Al Qaeda operative, Bilal Hasan al-Jasim. He was reportedly linked to an ISIS gunman responsible for the deaths of three Americans on December 13, 2025, in Palmyra, Syria. The victims included two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.
U.S. Military Response
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), emphasized the importance of this operation. He stated that targeting individuals connected to attacks on American forces illustrates the U.S. resolve against terrorism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment by affirming that the U.S. would “never forget” and “never relent” in their fight against terror.
Operation Hawkeye Strike
The recent strike is part of a broader initiative known as “Operation Hawkeye Strike.” This campaign has already targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapon sites. As part of these operations, hundreds of American troops remain stationed in Syria to continue the fight against ISIS.
Context of the Attack
- Date of the attack: December 13, 2025
- Location: Palmyra, Syria
- Fatalities: Two U.S. service members and one civilian interpreter
- Target of the strike: Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, Al Qaeda affiliate leader
Although ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the December attack, reports indicated that the gunman was associated with Syria’s Internal Security Service. Syrian officials have attempted to distance the individual from their government, which has gained substantial U.S. support recently.
This lethal strike underscores the relentless U.S. commitment to eradicating threats posed by terrorist organizations in the region.
