Joint Raid Against Islamic State Kills 15; 7 US Troops Injured in Iraq

A joint operation between the U.S. military and Iraqi forces targeted Islamic State militants on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injuries to seven U.S. troops in Western Iraq.

The raid took place on Thursday, with five U.S. troops sustaining injuries during the operation. According to a defense official who spoke with The Associated Press under anonymity, two of those injuries were due to falls experienced during the mission.

One soldier required evacuation for further medical treatment, while another injured individual was moved out of the area due to the complications from the fall.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the raid led to the elimination of 15 ISIS operatives, with details first reported by NBC News.

The targeted militants were reportedly armed with a range of weapons, including grenades and explosive ‘suicide’ belts. CENTCOM indicated that there were no civilian casualties resulting from the operation.

The military agency stated, “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.” Additionally, the Iraqi Security Forces are expected to make further use of the locations that were raided.

According to CENTCOM, “There is no indication of civilian casualties,” reinforcing the targeted nature of the operation.

The Iraqi military also released a statement outlining the sequence of events during the raid, noting that airstrikes were employed to target the militants’ hideouts, followed by an airborne operation to ensure the mission’s objectives.

Among those killed were identified as key leaders within ISIS, as per the Iraqi military, although specific names were not disclosed. The operation resulted in the destruction of all hideouts, weapons, and logistical support, with explosive belts being safely detonated. Important documents, identification papers, and communication devices were also seized during the operation.

This military action comes amidst an alarming rise in threats from terrorist groups, notably the Islamic State, which has escalated over the past three years, particularly after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

ISIS has taken responsibility for multiple destructive attacks this year, impacting various regions globally, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia. In Germany, ISIS-affiliated individuals executed a stabbing attack earlier this month and even threatened a concert featuring Taylor Swift in Austria.

In a report from July, CENTCOM indicated that the militant organization was responsible for 153 attacks in Syria and Iraq during the first half of this year, suggesting it is on track to significantly exceed the number of attacks it claimed in all of 2023.

The ongoing actions against ISIS are part of broader efforts to quell the resurgence of terrorist threats and ensure stability in the affected regions.