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U.S. Precision Airstrike Eliminates Senior al-Qaeda Leaders in Syria

BY Guy D. McCardle

In a precision strike that left no room for escape, U.S. forces took out two high-ranking terrorists, sending a crystal-clear message: if you plot against America, we will find you, and we will end you.

In this January 31, 2025 photo we see a Syrian White Helmet rescuer approach the wreckage of a vehicle destroyed by a US-led air strike near the village of Batabo, Syria. Image Credit: Abdulaziz Ketaz via France 24

In a decisive move against global terrorism, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria on February 15, 2025, resulting in the death of 2 high-ranking officials within the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Hurras al-Din. This operation underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks that pose threats to its homeland and allies.

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The Target: Hurras al-Din’s Senior Operatives

On February 15, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out a precision airstrike in northwest Syria, eliminating a senior finance and logistics official of Hurras al-Din (HaD), an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization. Killed were two Libyans, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Libi and Fadlallah al-Libi. According to CENTCOM, the strike was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and degrade terrorist networks before they could plan and execute attacks against U.S., allied, and partner forces.

This latest operation follows another successful strike on January 30, 2025, when CENTCOM forces took out Muhammad Salah al-Za’bir, another senior figure within Hurras al-Din, in a similar airstrike. The back-to-back operations highlight the U.S. military’s continued focus on eliminating key leadership within terrorist groups operating in Syria.

The targeted individuals in the February 15 strike were described as high-ranking members of HaD, specifically involved in finance and logistics—critical areas that support the group’s ability to carry out attacks. CENTCOM emphasized that the removal of such figures directly weakens the organization’s operational capabilities and disrupts its ability to plot future assaults.

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These strikes are part of CENTCOM‘s broader counterterrorism mission in the region. U.S. officials have made it clear that they remain committed to preventing Syria from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups that threaten global security. By targeting individuals responsible for planning and financing terror operations, the U.S. continues to send a strong message that it will take decisive action against threats to its national security and that of its allies.

 

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Operation Details

The February 15th operation took place near Orem al Jawz in Idlib Province, along the M4 highway, a known hotspot for extremist activity.

This strike was part of CENTCOM’s ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks and prevent them from organizing and carrying out attacks against U.S., allied, and partner forces. By taking out a high-ranking member responsible for handling finances and logistics, the operation directly disrupted HaD’s ability to plan and execute future missions.

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U.S. officials confirmed that the airstrike was precise and effective, ensuring that the intended targets were neutralized without causing unnecessary collateral damage. General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, reiterated the military’s commitment to relentlessly pursuing terrorists in order to safeguard U.S. interests and personnel in the region. Following the successful mission, President Donald Trump praised the operation, stating that dangerous jihadists had been brought to justice, further securing American and allied security.

This strike follows a similar operation on January 30, 2025, when CENTCOM forces eliminated another senior Hurras al-Din operative. The back-to-back attacks demonstrate the U.S. military’s continued focus on dismantling al-Qaeda-linked networks in Syria, ensuring they cannot use the region as a base for future attacks.

 

Presidential Commendation

Following the successful U.S. airstrike in Syria, former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to congratulate the American forces involved. In his statement, Trump acknowledged the significance of the operation, stating, “U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike against a member of al-Qaeda in Syria this weekend. The terrorist leader was working with al-Qaeda across the region.”

He further commended CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla and the U.S. warfighters for their efforts, saying, “Congratulations to CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla, and the U.S. warfighters who dealt justice to another Jihadi threatening America and our allies and partners.”

Trump’s comments highlight the strategic importance of eliminating high-level terrorist figures and reinforce his administration’s firm stance on counterterrorism.

Hurras al-Din: A Persistent Threat

While recent U.S. airstrikes have dealt significant blows to Hurras al-Din, national security experts warn that the group remains a persistent threat. It is stressed that these setbacks do not eliminate the ongoing danger posed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.

Hurras al-Din continues to pose a risk due to its deep ties to al-Qaeda, which grant it access to experienced operatives and valuable resources. Despite officially dissolving in January 2025, the group still operates in secret across Syria, showing its ability to survive under pressure. Their ideological commitment to jihad remains strong, as seen in their recent calls for Palestinian Islamist groups to escalate their insurgency against Israel.

Additionally, Hurras al-Din has a history of adapting and rebuilding after losses, even when facing opposition from other militant factions and Syrian government forces. With the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, there is also concern that power vacuums in Syria could provide the group with new opportunities to regroup and expand its influence.

Experts warn that underestimating groups like Hurras al-Din could have severe consequences. They emphasize the need for continued counterterrorism efforts and vigilance in the region to prevent the group from regaining strength and launching future attacks.

Ongoing Counterterrorism Efforts

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Trump administration continue to prioritize counterterrorism operations in 2025, focusing on eliminating threats through direct military action. Recent operations have targeted key terrorist leaders and disrupted their networks to prevent future attacks.

CENTCOM has carried out several successful missions in the early months of 2025 in addition to the February 15th strike. Just a day earlier, on February 15, Iraqi forces—supported by CENTCOM—launched an airstrike against ISIS. Prior to these strikes, a senior Hurras al-Din operative was taken out in Syria on January 30. Additionally, from December 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces conducted a series of strikes against ISIS strongholds in the Hamrin mountains of Iraq.

President Trump’s counterterrorism strategy emphasizes taking the fight directly to terrorists, isolating them from their sources of support, and modernizing U.S. counterterrorism capabilities. The administration prioritizes capturing or eliminating high-value targets and cutting off their financial resources rather than addressing the deeper causes of radicalization. The approach aims to reduce the capacity of terrorist organizations to launch attacks against the U.S. and its allies.

Additionally, the Trump administration is integrating counterterrorism efforts with immigration policy, though the effectiveness of this approach remains under debate. Meanwhile, CENTCOM continues to strengthen military partnerships in the region. Exercises like Eagle Resolve 2025, which wrapped up on January 23, focused on integrated air and missile defense, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism operations. These efforts reinforce the U.S. commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Middle East.

Wrap Up

The elimination of senior al-Qaeda leaders in Syria marks a significant milestone in the ongoing global fight against terrorism. It sends a clear message that the U.S. remains vigilant and proactive in its efforts to protect its citizens and interests worldwide.

As CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla stated, “We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists in order to defend our homeland and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region.  

 

**Note: This article is based on information available as of February 20, 2025.

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