US military, in collaboration with Iraqi forces, launched a joint operation targeting suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Iraq’s western desert, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals. The raid, which took place on Thursday in the Anbar desert, left seven American soldiers injured, as reported by military officials on Saturday.
According to the US Central Command, the operation specifically targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt the group’s ability to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, US citizens, and allied forces. The militants were heavily armed with weapons, grenades, and explosive belts, which led to a fierce battle. Iraqi security forces confirmed that airstrikes were used to hit the hideouts before ground troops were deployed in an airborne operation. The operation resulted in the elimination of key ISIS leaders, though their identities were not disclosed.
“All hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed,” Iraq’s military reported. Explosive belts were safely detonated, and important documents, identification papers, and communication devices were seized. The US Central Command emphasized that there were no civilian casualties during the operation.
A US defense official, speaking anonymously, revealed that some American troops were wounded during the operation, while two others sustained injuries from falls. The official assured that all injured personnel are in stable condition. The delay in acknowledging US involvement in the raid remains unclear, as Iraq initially did not mention US participation when first announcing the operation. This comes at a time when Iraqi politicians are debating the future presence of American troops in the country.
Despite the defeat of ISIS’s self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria, US forces have continued to combat the group. The casualty figures from this recent operation are among the highest seen in years. At its peak, ISIS controlled territory across Iraq and Syria, enforcing its extreme interpretation of Islam through brutal tactics. A coalition of over 80 countries, led by the US, successfully dismantled ISIS’s control in Iraq by 2017 and in Syria by 2019. However, the group remains active in regions such as the Anbar desert, with its affiliates carrying out attacks globally, including the particularly violent ISIS branch in Afghanistan.
