Overview
- CENTCOM said a Jan. 16 strike in northwest Syria killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described as an experienced al‑Qaeda‑affiliated leader.
- Officials linked al-Jasim to the ISIS gunman behind the Dec. 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and a U.S. interpreter, while injuring other U.S. and Syrian personnel.
- Adm. Brad Cooper said the killing demonstrates U.S. resolve to pursue those who attack American forces.
- The military framed the strike within Operation Hawkeye Strike, which it says has targeted more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites using over 200 precision munitions with partner support.
- CENTCOM reported that U.S. and partner forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 across Syria during the past year.