What's happened
On January 16, 2026, US Central Command announced the killing of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim in northwest Syria. Al-Jasim was directly linked to a December 13 attack that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter near Palmyra. The strike is part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeting over 100 ISIS sites in Syria amid ongoing US efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Retaliation and Regional Dynamics
The killing of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim underscores the US military's commitment to retaliate decisively against threats to its personnel, reinforcing a message of zero tolerance for attacks on American forces. This operation, part of the broader Hawkeye Strike campaign, demonstrates a shift towards sustained counterterrorism efforts despite troop reductions in Syria.
Complex Alliances and Political Context
The US cooperation with the new Syrian government, which replaced Bashar al-Assad in 2024, marks a significant geopolitical development. This partnership, alongside Jordanian involvement, reflects a pragmatic approach to counterterrorism that transcends previous hostilities. However, the presence of former al-Qaeda affiliates within Syria's government complicates the landscape, raising questions about long-term stability and the potential for future extremist resurgence.
Implications for US Military Strategy
The operation signals that the US will maintain a military footprint in Syria sufficient to conduct targeted strikes against ISIS remnants. The focus on precision munitions and infrastructure targets aims to degrade ISIS capabilities without large-scale ground engagements. This approach will likely continue as the US balances counterterrorism objectives with political and public pressures to reduce overseas deployments.
Forecast and Impact
The elimination of key terrorist operatives like al-Jasim will disrupt ISIS operational planning temporarily but will not eradicate the group's presence in Syria's vast desert regions. Continued vigilance and coalition cooperation are essential to prevent ISIS from regaining strength. For the US public and policymakers, these strikes reaffirm a commitment to protecting American lives abroad while navigating the complexities of Middle Eastern alliances.
What the papers say
The Independent's Mike Bedigan highlights the direct link between Bilal Hasan al-Jasim and the December 13 attack, quoting CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper: "The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces." The Independent also notes President Donald Trump's vow of "serious retaliation" against ISIS following the attack.
Sky News emphasizes the operational details, reporting that the strikes targeted northwest Syria and quoting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement on relentless pursuit: "We will never forget, and never relent."
The Times of Israel adds nuance by noting al-Jasim's affiliation with al-Qaeda and the complex political backdrop of Syria's new government, which includes former al-Qaeda members who have clashed with ISIS. It also reports on Syria's cooperation with the US-led coalition, a significant shift since Assad's ouster.
Arab News and Reuters focus on the broader campaign, with Arab News quoting Admiral Cooper on the US military hitting more than 100 ISIS targets since December 13, underscoring the scale of the ongoing operation.
Together, these sources provide a comprehensive picture of a coordinated, multinational effort to combat ISIS in Syria, highlighting both military actions and evolving political alliances.
How we got here
The December 13, 2025 ambush near Palmyra killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, prompting US-led retaliatory strikes against ISIS in Syria. Since then, the US has conducted Operation Hawkeye Strike, coordinating with Syrian and Jordanian forces to target ISIS infrastructure amid Syria's post-Assad political transition.
Go deeper
- What was Bilal Hasan al-Jasim's role in ISIS?
- How is the US cooperating with Syria's new government?
- What is Operation Hawkeye Strike and its objectives?
Common question
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How is the US continuing its fight against ISIS in Syria?
The United States remains actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts in Syria, targeting remnants of ISIS to prevent their resurgence. Recent military operations, including targeted strikes like the one that killed ISIS leader Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, highlight ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIS infrastructure and prevent future attacks. But what exactly is the US doing in Syria, and what are the risks involved? Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the US's ongoing fight against ISIS in Syria.
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Why Is the US Increasing Strikes in Syria Now?
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Why Did the US Target Bilal Hasan al-Jasim in Syria?
In early 2026, the US conducted a targeted strike in northwest Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a figure linked to recent attacks on American forces. This raises important questions about US military actions in Syria, the reasons behind specific targets, and the broader fight against terrorism in the region. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this operation and its implications.
More on these topics
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.
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The United States Central Command is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the U.S. Department of Defense. It was established in 1983, taking over the previous responsibilities of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, also known as Ansar al-Sharia in Yemen, is a militant Islamist group primarily active in Yemen and Saudi Arabia that is part of the al-Qaeda network.
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Palmyra is an ancient Semitic city in present-day Homs Governorate, Syria. Archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic period, and documents first mention the city in the early second millennium BC.