The joint operation by US and Iraqi forces in western Iraq killed 15 members of the Islamic State group and left seven US soldiers wounded, according to the statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a partnered raid in Western Iraq in the early hours of Aug. 29, resulting in the death of 15 ISIS operatives. The ISIS element was armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive “suicide” belts. There is no indication of civilian casualties.
Injuries during the raid included five US soldiers, and two others suffered injuries as a result of the fall, according to a Pentagon spokesman. One of the injured soldiers received evacuation for medical attention, as did one of those who fell; however, officials said the condition of all of the injured was stable.
This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond. Iraqi Security Forces continue to further exploit the locations raided.
The operation comes amid months of talks between Baghdad and Washington over the presence of anti-jihadist coalition forces in Iraq. Plus, tensions in the region also stem from the fact that Coalition Forces have come under dozens of drone and rocket attacks in both Iraq and Syria. For instance, last winter the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iranian-backed groups, claimed responsibility for some 175 rocket and drone attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria. The US responded by launching numerous strikes against these militant groups in both countries.
ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. U.S. CENTCOM alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists.
