Washington, Jan 18 (NationPress) The United States military has executed its third strike in Syria as a reaction to a lethal ambush that resulted in the deaths of three Americans last month. The US Central Command confirmed the elimination of a leader affiliated with Al-Qaeda linked to this attack.

The strike, executed in northwest Syria on January 16, led to the demise of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim. US officials identified him as a senior terrorist figure closely related to the ISIS gunman responsible for the December 13 ambush in Palmyra, which claimed the lives of two US service members and an American civilian interpreter.

“We will never forget, and never relent,” stated Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

“The death of a terrorist operative associated with the deaths of three Americans underscores our determination to pursue those who threaten our forces,” noted Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command. “There is no secure area for individuals who conduct, plot, or inspire assaults against American citizens and our military personnel. We will locate you.”

CENTCOM indicated that al-Jasim was an adept terrorist leader who orchestrated attacks and had direct connections to the ISIS gunman involved in the Palmyra ambush. This assault also resulted in injuries to other American and Syrian personnel.

This strike represents the latest in a series of military operations by the US in Syria following the December ambush. Officials stated this was the third wave of retaliatory strikes against terrorist targets in the region post-attack.

CENTCOM elaborated that the latest strike is part of a larger initiative initiated after the attack on December 13, characterized as “large-scale strikes” aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities throughout Syria. This operation has been named Hawkeye Strike.

In a statement, CENTCOM revealed that US and partner forces have targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapon sites throughout Syria as part of this operation, utilizing over 200 precision munitions. These strikes aim to hinder the group's capacity to plan and execute attacks against US forces and their allies.

In addition to airstrikes, CENTCOM confirmed that US and partner forces have intensified ground operations over the past year. They reported that more than 300 ISIS operatives have been captured in Syria, while over 20 militants have been killed in operations focused on eliminating direct threats to US and regional security.

US officials emphasized that the December ambush, which instigated this military response, highlights the ongoing threat from ISIS cells operating in Syria, despite years of sustained pressure on the group.

The US military maintains several hundred troops in Syria as part of continuous efforts to counter ISIS and support local partner forces. American officials have frequently reiterated that US personnel in the region remain susceptible to assaults from ISIS operatives and associated extremist groups.

In recent years, the United States has conducted periodic airstrikes and special operations raids in Syria targeting ISIS leaders and operatives deemed to pose an imminent threat to US forces, allies, or regional stability.