US Kills Al Qaeda Leader Linked to Palmyra Attack on Americans in Syria

• The US conducted "Operation Hawkeye Strike" in Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al Qaeda affiliate leader.
• Al-Jasim was directly linked to an ISIS attacker who killed two US service members and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025.
• CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated the strike demonstrates resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack US forces.
• US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed, "We will never forget, and never relent."
• The US continues to target ISIS in Syria, having hit over 100 infrastructure and weapons sites under "Operation Hawkeye Strike."

Why It Matters: The US killed an al Qaeda leader in Syria, avenging the Palmyra attack on Americans and continuing its anti-ISIS campaign.