U.S. Airstrike Kills Senior Hurras al-Din Operative in Syria

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria on January 30, killing Muhammad Salah al-Za'bir, a senior operative of Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group.

The operation is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to disrupt terrorist networks planning attacks against U.S. and allied personnel.

CENTCOM confirmed the strike, emphasizing its commitment to targeting individuals involved in planning, organizing, and conducting attacks. “CENTCOM will continue to hunt and kill or capture terrorists, and defend our homeland, against groups that plot to attack U.S. and allied personnel,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.

Hurras al-Din, designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization by the U.S. in September 2019, was formed in Syria in 2018 and maintains ties to Al-Qaeda. The group has been active in carrying out attacks and supporting extremist activities in the region.

This marks the first U.S. airstrike in Syria this year. However, earlier in January, CENTCOM-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) conducted counterterrorism operations against Islamic State (ISIS) elements, capturing an attack cell leader.

CENTCOM reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism operations aimed at preventing threats from groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. U.S. forces continue to monitor extremist networks in Syria and beyond to prevent potential attacks on civilians and military personnel.