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U.S. Strikes Kill Al-Qaeda Leader After Deadly ISIS Ambush in Syria

KVIA•Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:16 PM•ABC News

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In a significant military response, the U.S. conducted its third round of airstrikes in Syria, targeting and killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader linked to a recent ambush that resulted in the deaths of three Americans, including two U.S. service members. The ambush occurred in Palmyra on December 13, 2025, when an ISIS gunman killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, both members of the Iowa National Guard, along with an American civilian interpreter. U.S. Central Command emphasized its commitment to pursuing terrorists and stated that over 100 ISIS-related targets have been struck in the ongoing operation known as Hawkeye Strike. This military action underscores the U.S. resolve to protect its forces and citizens abroad.

Key Details: • The ambush in Palmyra occurred on December 13, 2025. • Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard were the U.S. soldiers killed. • Operation Hawkeye Strike has targeted over 100 ISIS infrastructure sites. • U.S. Central Command is committed to pursuing those who threaten American lives.

military terrorism syria isis us-central-command

People & Organizations

SyriaEdgar Brian Torres TovarWilliam Nathaniel HowardPalmyraIowa National GuardU.S. Central CommandBilal Hasan al-Jasim

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