U.S. forces carried out a targeted strike in northwest Syria on March 15, 2024, resulting in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a leader affiliated with Al-Qaeda. This operation was linked to a previous ambush that claimed the lives of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter in December 2023. According to the U.S. Central Command, al-Jasim was a key figure in planning attacks and was directly connected to the shooter involved in the December attack in Palmyra.
The December 13 ambush resulted in the deaths of two American personnel and injuries to others, including Syrian individuals. Following the attack, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on social media that U.S. partner forces had eliminated the individual responsible for the assault. In a statement released on March 16, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Central Command, emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, “The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces.”
Ongoing Counterterrorism Efforts in Syria
Central Command highlighted that there is “no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters.” This statement underscores the U.S. commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the region. In December 2023, following the ambush, President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate, labeling the incident as “an ISIS attack against the U.S.”
The recent strike against al-Jasim is part of a broader initiative known as Hawkeye Strike, during which U.S. forces have been engaged in large-scale operations targeting ISIS infrastructure. Over the past several months, more than 100 strikes have been executed, utilizing over 200 precision munitions to dismantle key ISIS sites. This operation has yielded significant results, with U.S. and partner forces capturing over 300 ISIS operatives and eliminating more than 20 throughout Syria in the past year.
According to Central Command, these efforts are aimed at removing individuals who pose direct threats not only to U.S. personnel but also to regional stability. The recent developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced in countering extremist groups in the region and the determination of U.S. forces to respond decisively to threats against their personnel.
