Massive Blow to ISIS: 15 Terrorists Killed in Iraq Raid, 7 US Military Personnel Injured

In a significant military operation, United States and Iraqi forces launched a raid in western Iraq, targeting ISIS leaders and killing 15 terrorists, according to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The early-hour raid, conducted on Thursday morning, also left seven U.S. military service members wounded or injured during the broader operation.

ISIS Leaders Targeted in Coordinated Raid

The joint operation between U.S. Central Command and Iraqi Security Forces aimed to strike at ISIS leadership, dealing a blow to the group’s ability to organize and conduct attacks across the region.

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a partnered raid in Western Iraq in the early hours of Aug. 29, resulting in the death of 15 ISIS operatives,” the CENTCOM statement emphasized.

ISIS operatives were reportedly heavily armed during the raid, with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts” found at the scene.

Despite the intensity of the operation, U.S. Central Command reported that there were no civilian casualties.

Iraqi Forces Continue Exploiting Raided Locations

Following the raid, Iraqi Security Forces have continued to exploit the raided locations for further intelligence and operational advantages.

This ongoing effort highlights the sustained pressure on ISIS remnants in the region.

Injuries Among U.S. Personnel

Seven U.S. military personnel were injured in the raid, with five sustaining wounds during the operation.

“One of the wounded was evacuated for further treatment,” a defense official told ABC News.

Additionally, two other personnel were injured due to falls, with one also being evacuated for follow-up care. All personnel were reported to be in stable condition.

Though partnered military raids in Iraq typically involve special operations forces, the CENTCOM statement did not specify the exact nature of the forces involved in this operation.

U.S. Presence in Iraq and Ongoing Discussions

This raid comes as part of the ongoing U.S. mission in Iraq, where approximately 2,500 American troops remain stationed.

Their primary role involves training and advising Iraqi military forces in the ongoing fight against ISIS.

Despite these efforts, CENTCOM warned that “ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland.”

The statement reaffirmed that “U.S. CENTCOM, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists,” underscoring the continued U.S. commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Iraq.

Discussions earlier this year between the U.S. and Iraq touched on a potential reduction in the role of the international military coalition supporting Iraq, which could lead to a scaled-back American presence in the country.

However, operations like the recent raid underline the ongoing necessity of coordinated efforts against ISIS remnants.

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