Sat Jan 17 23:07:40 UTC 2026: # U.S. Strikes in Syria Kill Al-Qaeda Leader Linked to American Deaths
The Story:
The U.S. military conducted a third round of retaliatory strikes in Syria, resulting in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claims al-Jasim was directly linked to the December 13, 2025, ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers, Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. The strikes are part of “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” ordered by President Donald Trump targeting ISIS elements trying to regroup after the ouster of Bashar Assad a year prior.
Key Points:
* A U.S. strike in northwest Syria on January 16, 2026, killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda leader.
* Al-Jasim was allegedly connected to the December 13, 2025, attack that killed three Americans.
* The operation, “Hawkeye Strike,” targets ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.
* The U.S. is cooperating with Syrian security forces led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
* CENTCOM claims the operation has targeted over 100 Islamic State infrastructure and weapon sites with the assistance of partners like Jordan and Syria.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. remains committed to combating terrorist groups in Syria, even after the change in Syrian leadership.
- The strikes demonstrate the Trump administration’s resolve in pursuing individuals involved in attacks on American personnel.
- The U.S. military is actively cooperating with the current Syrian government in counter-terrorism efforts, indicating a possible shift in diplomatic relations since the ouster of Assad.
First Piper 