CENTCOM Kills Senior Al-Qaeda-Linked Militant in Syria Strike

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that on October 2, U.S. forces conducted a strike in Syria killing Muhammad ‘Abd-al-Wahhab al-Ahmad, a senior attack planner linked to Ansar al-Islam, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that U.S. forces remain committed to disrupting and defeating terrorist efforts in the Middle East to protect the homeland, warfighters, allies, and partners. The operation is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to counter al-Qaeda-linked groups, excluding Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S. removed from its terrorist list earlier in 2025. This strike aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to consolidate forces in the region, focusing on threats posed by ISIS and other Islamist militants, while working with international partners through Operation Inherent Resolve. Despite reductions in troop numbers and base consolidations, the U.S. military continues to address persistent terrorist threats, noting concerns over radicalization in detainee camps in Syria. The recent strike exemplifies the U.S. commitment to counterterrorism operations targeting al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria amid a complex regional security environment.