US airstrike in Syria: Al-Qaeda commander Bilal Hasan al-Jasim killed on Trump's orders

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): After Venezuela, the United States has now demonstrated its military might in Southwest Asia with a major airstrike in Syria. Ordered by US President Donald Trump, the military killed a top commander linked to al-Qaeda in this operation. This strike is being seen as a response to last month's terrorist attack on US troops.

Bilal was the mastermind behind the deaths of three Americans

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Bilal Hassan al-Jassim was killed in a precision airstrike in northwestern Syria on Friday. CENTCOM described him as a "seasoned terrorist leader." According to officials, Bilal was directly involved in the December 13 attack that killed Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and an American civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat.

CENTCOM Warning: No Place to Hide

Following this action, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued a stern warning. He said that the killing of the terrorist involved in the deaths of three Americans demonstrates that the United States will never give up on those who attack its military. Cooper said, "There is no safe place in the world for those who plot attacks against American citizens and our warriors. We will find them."

Operation 'Hawkeye Strike'

The attack is part of a broader US campaign ordered by President Donald Trump, dubbed "Hawkeye Strike." It aims to prevent Islamic State (IS) militants from regrouping a year after the ouster of dictatorial leader Bashar al-Assad. The US is working with allies Jordan and Syria in this operation. More than 100 IS hideouts and weapons depots have been targeted so far.

Increased cooperation with the Syrian government

President Trump emphasized that Syrian security forces are now fighting alongside US troops in a coalition against extremist groups. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was also deeply angered and distressed by the terrorist attack on US troops, which prompted this joint and decisive action.