The U.S. military, on Saturday, said it had killed “an experienced terrorist leader” in Syria who was linked to the December attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. interpreter.

Bilal Hasan al-Jasim had ties to Al-Qaeda and had direct contact with the militant who carried out the December 13 ambush, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for the region, said on X.

The operation took place on Friday in north-western Syria, CENTCOM said.

“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” said Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

“There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”

Since the December attack, U.S. forces have carried out several retaliatory strikes in Syria against Islamic State, which Washington believes was responsible for the attack.

The United States leads an international coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

The campaign began after the militant group overran large parts of both countries in 2014.

Although militarily defeated, Islamic State fighters remain active and continue to carry out attacks. 

(dpa/NAN)