US Kills Al-Qaeda Affiliate Leader Linked to December ISIS Ambush in Syria

On January 16, 2026, US Central Command conducted a strike in northwest Syria killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader linked to a December 13 ISIS ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and an American interpreter. The operation, part of the broader 'Hawkeye Strike' campaign, targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites. US officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Syria, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirming resolve to pursue those who attack American forces.