U.S. Forces Kill Al Qaeda Leader Linked to Deadly ISIS Attack in Syria
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on January 17, 2026, that American forces successfully killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a senior al Qaeda-affiliated operative in northwest Syria. Al-Jasim was directly connected to an ISIS gunman responsible for a December 13 attack that claimed the lives of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter in Palmyra, Syria.
According to CENTCOM officials, al-Jasim was an experienced terrorist leader who played a pivotal role in plotting attacks against American and allied personnel in the region. The strike, conducted on January 16, was part of a broader counterterrorism campaign launched in response to the deadly ambush last month.
“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” said CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper. “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
The December 13 attack in Palmyra involved an ISIS gunman who targeted U.S. service members and Syrian personnel, resulting in the deaths of two Iowa National Guardsmen and an interpreter. The incident prompted CENTCOM to intensify its operations against extremist groups in Syria, including al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates.
U.S. military counterterrorism efforts in the region have been ongoing for years, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks that threaten regional stability and American interests. The strike against al-Jasim underscores the continued commitment of the U.S. to disrupt and degrade terrorist capabilities.
For more information on U.S. military operations in the Middle East, visit the U.S. Central Command official site. Details on the broader counterterrorism strategy can be found through the U.S. Department of Defense Newsroom.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State provides insights into diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing Syria and combating terrorism in the region. For updates on the ongoing fight against ISIS and related organizations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s counterterrorism page offers comprehensive resources.
The elimination of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim marks a significant tactical victory for U.S. forces and allies combating terrorism in Syria. However, CENTCOM officials caution that the threat from extremist groups remains persistent, requiring sustained vigilance and coordinated international efforts to prevent future attacks on American personnel and civilians.
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