CENTCOM identified the individual as Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, describing him as an experienced terrorist leader who plotted attacks and maintained direct connections to the ISIS gunman involved in the Palmyra ambush. The attack also injured American and Syrian personnel in Palmyra, Syria, last month.
Commenting on the strike, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper said: “The death of a terrorist operative linked the death of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces.” He added: “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
In response to the December attack, CENTCOM launched large-scale strikes across Syria under an operation known as Hawkeye Strike. The operation involved U.S. and partner forces striking more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons site targets with over 200 precision munitions.
CENTCOM also reported sustained counter-terrorism operations over the past year alongside partner forces. During that period, more than 300 ISIS operatives were captured and over 20 were killed across Syria, removing threats to U.S. and regional security.
