U.S. forces carried out an airstrike in Yemen on New Year’s Day targeting an Al Qaeda operative suspected of being involved in the deadly 2000 attack on the USS Cole, a military official confirmed Friday.

The offensive maneuver was carried out in the Marib Governate, Yemen, and directed at Jamal al-Badawi, Capt. Bill Urban, U.S. Central Command spokesman, said in a statement.

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“We are aware of reports that Jamal al-Badawi was killed in a strike in Yemen,” Urban said. “U.S. forces are still assessing the results of the strike following a deliberate process to confirm his death.”

Al-Badawi is wanted by the U.S. government for his alleged part in the terrorist attack launched nearly 20 years ago against the USS Cole. The attack, which predated the 9/11 terror attacks, left 17 sailors dead.

“Jamal al-Badawi was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2003, charged with 50 counts of various terrorism offenses, including murder of U.S. nationals and murder of U.S. military personnel,” the statement said.

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The suspect “is also charged with attempting with co-conspirators to attack a U.S. Navy vessel in January 2000,” it added.

Al-Badawi also landed himself on the FBI’s list of “Most Wanted Terrorists.”

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin, Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.