SUNTV Global Channel | January 18, 2026 | International
United States forces have eliminated Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a senior leader of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in northwest Syria, in a precision military strike, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday.
The strike, conducted on January 16, was part of an ongoing operation targeting militants responsible for attacks on American personnel in the region. Al-Jasim was linked to an ISIS operative who orchestrated an ambush in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025, which left two U.S. service members and an American interpreter dead, while injuring other American and Syrian personnel.
In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper described the operation as a demonstration of America’s resolve.
“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans underscores our commitment to pursuing those who attack our forces,” Cooper said. “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
The strike is part of a broader campaign, Hawkeye Strike, launched in response to the December ambush. U.S. and partner forces targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, using more than 200 precision munitions to degrade terrorist capabilities.
CENTCOM also noted that over the past year, U.S. and allied forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 others across Syria, highlighting continued efforts to neutralize threats to U.S. personnel and regional security.
The elimination of al-Jasim signals a continued focus by the United States on counterterrorism operations in Syria, aiming to prevent future attacks and dismantle extremist networks in the region.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to provide updates on U.S. counterterrorism operations and developments in Syria.
