BAGHDAD — The U.S. military participated in a recent raid in Iraq’s western region, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. This operation aimed to target suspected militants associated with the Islamic State group, according to official statements released early Saturday.
Despite previously dislodging ISIS from their self-declared caliphate spanning Iraq and Syria, U.S. forces have maintained their operations against the organization, with this raid reporting higher casualties than seen in recent engagements.
U.S. Central Command indicated the targeted militants were armed with a variety of weapons, grenades, and explosive “suicide” belts. The raid occurred in the Anbar Desert, as stated by Iraqi forces.
“In this operation, ISIS leaders were targeted to disrupt and degrade their capability to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens and allies,” Central Command explained. “Iraqi Security Forces are continuing to exploit the raided locations for further intelligence.”
Central Command also reported that there were no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the operation.
An Iraqi military statement elaborated that airstrikes targeted known hideouts, followed by an airborne operational response.
“Among the deceased were prominent ISIS leaders,” noted the Iraqi military, although specific identities were not disclosed. “All hideouts, weapon caches, and logistical support were effectively neutralized. Explosive belts were detonated safely, and vital documents along with communication devices were recovered.”
The delay in acknowledging U.S. involvement in the raid has raised questions, especially as Iraq did not initially disclose American participation during its announcement. Political discussions continue regarding the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq.
At its zenith, the Islamic State controlled territory comparable to half the size of the United Kingdom, attempting to impose its radical interpretation of Islam while perpetrating violence against religious minority groups and punishing those they labeled as apostates.
A coalition, led by the United States and comprising over 80 countries, was established to confront ISIS, which lost its territorial claims in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019. Nevertheless, the group continues to operate within the Anbar Desert and claims responsibility for various global attacks. In Afghanistan, its branch is known for executing particularly brutal assaults.
