7 US Troops Injured in Raid With Iraqi Forces That Killed 15 ISIS Militants

The United States military, in coordination with Iraqi forces, recently carried out a joint raid aimed at suspected members of the Islamic State group in Iraq’s western desert. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left seven American service members injured, as confirmed by officials on Saturday.

For several years since the defeat of the so-called caliphate established by the Islamic State across Iraq and Syria, U.S. forces have remained engaged in combating the group. However, the casualties from this recent raid stand out as the highest reported in recent operations against the militants.

According to Central Command from the U.S. military, the suspected militants were heavily armed, possessing numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive “suicide” belts at the time of the raid. This operation occurred in the Anbar Desert, as reported by Iraqi forces.

The U.S. Central Command noted that the purpose of the operation was to target leaders of ISIS, aiming to disrupt the group’s ability to plan and conduct attacks. This effort is crucial for protecting Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens and allies in the region.

The statement emphasized, “There is no indication of civilian casualties.”

An official statement from the Iraqi military revealed that airstrikes targeted specific hideouts, followed by a tactical airborne operation.

While the identities of the killed individuals have not been released, the Iraqi military confirmed that key leaders of ISIS were among the fatalities. They also reported that all hideouts, along with weapons and logistical supplies, were rendered inoperative. Furthermore, explosive belts were safely detonated, and vital documents, identification papers, and communication devices were captured during the raid.

A U.S. defense official, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared additional details about the injuries sustained by American troops. Five were injured during the raid itself, and two others experienced falls during the operation. One of those injured was evacuated out of the Middle East, while another troop required further medical treatment.

The defense official assured that “all personnel are in stable condition.”

It remains unclear why it took two days for U.S. authorities to confirm their involvement in the operation, especially as the initial announcement from Iraq did not mention U.S. participation. This silence comes at a time when discussions around the future presence of American troops in Iraq are ongoing. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 U.S. personnel stationed in the country.

Since the ousting of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq has sought to navigate its relationships with both the United States and neighboring Iran. Recently, heightened tensions have emerged, particularly during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen Iranian-aligned militias targeting U.S. forces in Iraq. This has prompted responses from the United States, including airstrikes against those militias.

At its height, the Islamic State group controlled a territory nearly half the size of the United Kingdom. The group attempted to impose its radical interpretation of Islam, regularly targeting religious minorities and enforcing harsh punitive measures on Muslims they deemed to be apostates.

The U.S. led a coalition of over 80 nations to combat the Islamic State, ultimately leading to the loss of the group’s territorial claims in Iraq in 2017, followed by Syria in 2019.

Despite these setbacks, remnants of the militant group continue to operate in regions such as the Anbar Desert in Iraq and parts of Syria. The group has also claimed several global attacks carried out by other groups inspired by its ideology. For example, two individuals were apprehended in a foiled plot to target Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. Additionally, the Islamic State’s affiliate in Afghanistan has been noted for executing particularly brutal assaults.