Precision justice rained from the skies over northwest Syria as US forces executed the Hawk Eye strike, neutralizing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a pivotal Al-Qaeda leader with ISIS connections. CENTCOM announced the January 16 success, tying the target directly to the tragic Palmyra gunman attack that felled two US soldiers and a civilian on December 13.
This operation avenges the losses while crippling terrorist networks. Officials labeled al-Jasim a senior figure whose elimination disrupts plots against US personnel. Defense chief Pete Hegseth captured national sentiment: ‘We never forget, never give in.’
CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper detailed the ironclad pursuit: ‘This kill demonstrates our resolve to chase terrorists who target Americans. There’s no hiding place for plotters and instigators—we find you.’
Part of an expansive post-attack campaign, the third strike round has seen 100+ ISIS targets obliterated by 200 precision strikes, slashing their operational strength. Ground efforts amplified last year captured 300 operatives and eliminated 20 others.
Syria remains a hotspot for ISIS remnants, met by US troop deployments. The Hawk Eye initiative, blending air and ground might with allies, fortifies defenses and projects unyielding deterrence against global jihadist threats.