During a recent raid on ISIS militants in Iraq, seven U.S. personnel were injured, and 15 militants were killed, leaving a significant impact on ISIS operations in the region.
At a Glance
- The U.S. and Iraq conducted a joint raid on ISIS militants in Iraq’s western desert.
- The raid resulted in the death of 15 militants and injury of seven American troops.
- The operation aimed at dismantling ISIS’s operational capabilities.
- No civilian casualties were reported.
Joint U.S. and Iraqi Raid on ISIS
On Thursday, U.S. forces alongside Iraqi troops launched a joint operation targeting ISIS militants in Iraq’s western desert region. Official reports confirmed the mission’s success in eliminating 15 members of the terrorist group. The raid involved precise airstrikes followed by an airborne operation.
The U.S. military’s Central Command alleged the militants were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts” during the attack Thursday, which Iraqi forces said happened in the country’s Anbar Desert. This operation disrupted and degraded ISIS’ ability to plan and conduct attacks.
Casualties and Injuries
While the mission was successful, it did come with challenges. Seven American troops were injured in the raid. The injuries ranged from five troops being wounded due to combat-related causes to two others getting injured from falls.
NEW: Seven U.S. service members were injured in a raid in Iraq that killed 15 ISIS militants, officials said. https://t.co/zqhdP278OI
— ABC News (@ABC) August 31, 2024
Strategic Outcomes
This joint operation not only targeted ISIS leadership but also managed to seize crucial documents, identification papers, and communication devices. The aim was to exploit these resources further to gain insights into ISIS’s operational mechanics and future plans. The successful raid has dealt a significant setback to ISIS’s organizational structure in Iraq.
“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,” Central Command said.
JUST IN: United States and Iraqi military forces conducted a raid in western Iraq that killed 15 ISIS militants, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.
Seven U.S. personnel were hurt in the overall operation, according to two defense officials. https://t.co/Itn1mYDw1D pic.twitter.com/tFAV48DDSb
— ABC News (@ABC) August 31, 2024
Debate Over U.S. Presence in Iraq
This operation comes amid ongoing debates about the future presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. Many Iraqi politicians are questioning the need for continued U.S. military involvement. Despite ISIS losing territory in 2017 and 2019, the group remains active, particularly in the Anbar Desert, where they continue to pose threats locally and globally.
Iraq’s foreign ministry recently announced a postponement of the end date for the U.S.-led coalition’s mission due to unspecified “latest developments.” Talks regarding the future of this coalition might not conclude until after the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in November.
