U.S. and Iraqi Forces Conduct Successful Raid, Killing 15 ISIS Militants in Western Iraq

U.S. and Iraqi military forces conducted a coordinated raid in western Iraq on August 29, targeting ISIS leaders and resulting in the deaths of 15 militants, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Seven U.S. service members were injured during the operation, with all in stable condition. The raid aimed to disrupt ISIS’s capability to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians and U.S. allies.

The operation, which took two months to plan, included surveillance of high-ranking ISIS figures and involved airstrikes followed by the deployment of airborne units, supported by international coalition intelligence. The ISIS operatives were reportedly armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive belts. Iraqi forces continue to conduct raids and arrests related to ISIS, with indications that some of those killed were key leaders within the organization.

Currently, about 2,500 American troops remain in Iraq to assist Iraqi forces in combating ISIS, and discussions have begun regarding a potential reduction in the international military coalition’s role in the region. The CENTCOM statement did not specify the types of forces involved in the operation but noted that such raids typically involve special operations units.