Additional Coverage:
In a joint operation with Iraqi forces, U.S. military personnel carried out a raid in western Iraq that resulted in the elimination of 15 ISIS militants, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. During the early morning operation on August 29, U.S. and Iraqi forces targeted high-level ISIS figures, aiming to thwart their capacity to plan and execute attacks across the region and potentially further afield.
The operation, which took place without reports of civilian casualties, also led to injuries among seven U.S. service members, who are all currently in stable condition. These injuries were a result of combat engagements and other incident-related falls, with two of the service members being evacuated for additional medical treatment.
The raid involved significant force, encountering ISIS operatives armed with various weapons, including grenades and explosive belts designed for suicide attacks. Despite the inherent risks, the military action effectively disrupted the militant group’s operations, reducing potential threats to both Iraqi citizens and international interests.
Currently, the U.S. maintains a deployment of 2,500 troops in Iraq, primarily focusing on training and advising local forces to continue combating ISIS threats. Earlier discussions between the U.S. and Iraq have explored the possibility of reducing the scale of U.S. military involvement in the region.