Iraqi and US Forces Kill Senior IS Commander and Militants in Joint Operation

BAGHDAD (AP) — In a recent military operation, Iraqi forces, along with American troops, have successfully killed a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State group, as well as several additional militants, according to statements from Iraq’s military. This operation took place in the western Anbar province and began in late August, involving collaboration with the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and the air force.

Among those killed was a Tunisian IS commander named Abu Ali Al-Tunisi. The U.S. Treasury Department had placed a $5 million bounty on him for information leading to his capture. Additionally, Ahmad Hamed Zwein, known as the IS deputy commander in Iraq, was also among the deceased.

Although the Islamic State was defeated in Iraq in 2017, attacks carried out by IS sleeper cells have been increasing in both Iraq and Syria over recent years, resulting in numerous casualties.

This announcement follows an earlier report from two weeks prior, when officials indicated that the United States and Iraq had conducted a joint raid targeting suspected IS militants in the western desert. That raid resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuries to seven American soldiers. Five of the wounded were injured during the raid, while two others sustained injuries from falls. One soldier was evacuated from the region due to a fall, and another was transported for further medical treatment.

The Iraqi military report indicated that the recent operation also led to the confiscation of various weapons, computers, smartphones, and ten explosive belts. DNA tests identified 14 IS commanders, but no information was provided on a 15th individual who was also killed.

At its peak, the Islamic State controlled large areas in Iraq and Syria and declared a caliphate in 2014. However, by 2019, the group had lost the last of its territory in eastern Syria. During its reign, the organization enforced a severe interpretation of Islam and perpetrated attacks against religious minorities and Muslims they deemed apostate.

Despite their territorial losses, IS continues to operate and carry out attacks through sleeper cells, emphasizing the group’s enduring influence and the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.

On the same day as the Iraqi announcement, the U.S. Central Command reported that its forces had killed a member of an IS attack cell in a strike in eastern Syria. This individual was reportedly planting an improvised explosive device intended for an assault against coalition forces and their allies, particularly in reference to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

In August of last year, discussions were initiated concerning the transition of U.S. and coalition forces from their long-standing support role against the IS in Iraq. Currently, there are about 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, and their future presence will depend on the prevailing security conditions and the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.

The situation in Iraq remains complex, as the ongoing threat of IS underscores the necessity for continued international cooperation and vigilance.

Source: AP