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US forces killed a jihadi leader linked to the attack in Syria that killed two National Guardsmen and a civilian contractor in December.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deadly strike on the man, who was affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a post on X.
“There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
Bilal Hasan al-Jasim was described as a veteran terrorist who has plotted a number of attacks, including the ambush in Palmyra, Syria.
The two National Guardsmen killed in that attack were 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar of Des Moines and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown. Both were from Iowa.
“Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS [and] counter-terrorism operations in the region. Our hearts are with their families, loved ones and the Iowa National Guard during this time of profound sorrow,” Gen. Steven Nordhaus, head of the National Guard Bureau, said in a statement following their murder.
“We honor their courage and sacrifice, and we will never forget them or their service. We are also thinking of and praying for the families of the civilian interpreter who was killed, and the three other Guardsmen who were wounded. May God place his healing hand upon them.”
President Trump vowed swift and “serious retaliation” in response to the killings.
“This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them,” Trump said in a social media post.
Not long after the attack, US and partner forces in the region began a series of strikes in Syria, targeting jihadists.
The mission, dubbed Hawkeye Strike, targeted over 100 ISIS sites.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a warning to America’s enemies.
“Let it be known, if you target Americans—anywhere in the world—you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,” Hegseth said.
In the past year, more than 300 ISIS fighters have been captured and dozens killed by the US and her allies.
