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U.S. Forces Eliminate Al-Qaeda Leader in Syria
Published: 2026/01/18 07:27:29
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday, January 17, 2026, the death of a meaningful Al-Qaeda leader in Syria. The operation is part of an ongoing campaign against the terrorist group, initiated following a December 13th attack in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. personnel.
Who Was Bilal Hasan al Yasim?
The deceased has been identified as Bilal Hasan al Yasim, who officials state had a “direct link” to the individual responsible for the Palmyra attack.Al Yasim was described as an experienced terrorist leader involved in planning attacks. This operation demonstrates a resolute commitment to pursuing terrorists who target U.S. forces, according to Admiral Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander [U.S. Department of Defense].
Operation ‘Eye of the Falcon’ and Recent Strikes
Since the December 13th attack, U.S. forces have intensified operations against ISIS in Syria under the designation ‘Operation Eye of the falcon.’ CENTCOM reported that more than 100 ISIS targets have been struck with approximately 200 precision-guided munitions [CENTCOM Official Website]. These strikes are focused on disrupting ISIS’s capabilities and weakening its infrastructure.
Broader Counter-ISIS Efforts
Beyond Operation Eye of the Falcon, U.S. forces and their allies have actively engaged in combating ISIS in Syria throughout the past year.According to CENTCOM,over 300 ISIS members have been captured,and more than 20 have been killed during this period.
Implications and Future outlook
The elimination of Bilal Hasan al Yasim represents a notable success in the ongoing effort to degrade Al-Qaeda’s presence in Syria. This action signals the continued commitment of U.S. forces to counterterrorism operations in the region and to safeguarding personnel deployed there
