United States and Iraqi military forces carried out a raid in western Iraq, targeting ISIS leaders and resulting in the deaths of 15 ISIS militants, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.
Seven U.S. service members involved in the early morning operation on Thursday were injured, though all are reported to be in stable condition, according to a defense official.
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a joint raid in Western Iraq in the early hours of August 29, which led to the elimination of 15 ISIS operatives,” read the statement from CENTCOM issued late Friday.
“This operation specifically targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and weaken the group’s ability to plan, organize, and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region and beyond,” the statement continued.
The ISIS fighters were heavily armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive suicide belts, according to the statement. There were no reports of civilian casualties.
On Saturday, Iraqi forces continued to carry out arrests and raids against ISIS-related locations, as confirmed by the Security Media Cell, the press office of the Iraqi prime minister.
The terrorists killed in the operation were identified as “leaders of the terrorist ISIS,” according to a statement on X by the Security Media Cell.
Intelligence suggested that the deceased included significant ISIS leaders, with their identities to be disclosed later, according to the prime minister’s office.
The operation, which took two months to plan, involved monitoring the presence of key ISIS leaders. Airstrikes were conducted, followed by airborne units, in coordination with intelligence and technical personnel from the international coalition, according to the statement.
Two U.S. defense officials reported that seven U.S. personnel were injured during the operation.
“Five U.S. personnel were wounded during the raid, with one evacuated for further medical treatment,” a U.S. defense official told media.
“Additionally, two more U.S. personnel sustained injuries from falls during the operation, with one also evacuated out of the theater for further care. All personnel are stable,” the official added.
While partnered military raids in Iraq typically involve special operations forces, the CENTCOM statement did not specify which forces were involved in this mission.
Currently, there are still 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq as part of a mission to train and advise Iraqi military forces against ISIS.
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Earlier this year, discussions began between the United States and Iraq regarding a potential reduction in the role of the international military coalition supporting Iraq, which may lead to a decrease in U.S. forces.
