The United States has said a recent airstrike in Syria was aimed at killing a senior Al-Qaeda leader believed to be responsible for the deaths of American soldiers.

US Central Command confirmed that the target, identified as Al-Jasim, was killed in an operation carried out last Friday in northwestern Syria. American officials said the militant leader had a “direct connection” to ISIS and was involved in coordinating attacks against US forces and Syrian targets.

According to US authorities, three American soldiers were killed in Syria in attacks linked to extremist groups operating in the region. Officials said Al-Jasim played a key role in those operations.

The US military said the strike was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks targeting American troops in the Middle East. Central Command noted that the militant groups continue to pose a threat through coordinated activities involving both Al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked elements.

The BBC said it was unable to independently verify the US claims.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said the operation demonstrated Washington’s willingness to respond to threats against its forces.

“It serves as a demonstration of how our forces can be targeted by American adversaries who remain responsible for the ongoing threat to our military,” Cooper said.

He added: “Those who are planning or executing attacks against Americans and our troops will not be spared. We will respond accordingly.”