7 U.S. Soldiers Hurt, 15 ISIS Militants Killed in Western Iraq

On August 31, U.S. Central Command announced that a battle in western Iraq resulted in the deaths of fifteen Islamic State militants and injuries to seven U.S. troops. The confrontation occurred earlier this week during a joint operation by U.S. military and Iraqi Security Forces.

The operation took place early Thursday morning, targeting ISIS leadership in the Anbar province. U.S. forces encountered several militants who engaged in combat.

CENTCOM confirmed that the ISIS fighters were heavily armed, equipped with various weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts. The primary goal of this operation was to disrupt and degrade the capability of ISIS to plan and conduct attacks not only against Iraqi civilians but also against U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region and beyond.

Despite the significant military responses, ISIS continues to pose a threat, including within the United States. The U.S. military emphasized that the coalition comprising U.S. and Iraqi forces will persist in its efforts to pursue these terrorists aggressively.

During the operation, several ISIS leaders were killed; however, CENTCOM has not disclosed their identities. Among the injured were five U.S. soldiers who sustained wounds during the confrontation with militants, while two additional soldiers were hurt due to falls.

The military action commenced with airstrikes aimed at ISIS hideouts, followed by an airborne operation involving troops who engaged militants specifically in the Iraqi desert and caves. CENTCOM reported that there were no civilian casualties during this joint military operation.

This operation is part of Operation Inherent Resolve, which was initially scheduled to conclude but has been postponed by Iraqi officials due to recent ISIS attacks and threats, as well as heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Earlier this month, ISIS claimed responsibility for a stabbing attack in Germany, wherein a Syrian refugee killed three individuals and injured eight others during a cultural festival in Solingen. Following the incident, a 26-year-old suspect was apprehended the next day.

Additionally, an ISIS operative in Austria was reported to have planned an attack during a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, which was ultimately canceled due to a terror threat.

The United States maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq to provide advice and assistance to the Iraqi military in its efforts to combat ISIS and other militant groups.

President Joe Biden was informed about the latest military operation while he was at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.