The US military, in coordination with Iraqi security forces, has succeeded in killing 15 Islamic State “operatives” as part of a joint operation targeting the militant group’s leadership in Iraq. US Central Command, Centcom, said the operation occurred early Thursday in western Iraq.
Said Centcom: IS members armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive’suicide’ belts were encountered by American and Iraqi troops while executing the operation. “No indication of civilian casualties,” the statement said.
Targets Islamic State in Iraq
Seven US troops are reported to be injured following the operation, according to US media outlets citing defense officials, though Centcom has declined to comment on reports.
The Iraqi military had earlier described the operation in such terms: “air strikes on hideouts, followed by an airborne operation,” in the country’s “desert and caves.” The military confirmed that all hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed, explosive belts were safely detonated, and important documents, identification papers, and communication devices were seized.
The White House National Security Council and the Pentagon forwarded questions to Centcom.
The attack occurred in early Wednesday morning in Iraq’s northern province of Nineveh, a location where religious and cultural heritage and strategic significance play a key role in the fight against IS. The US military said the operation targeted what they believed to be an important IS stronghold believed responsible for organizing attacks and recruiting new members.
US Central Command spokesperson Major General Rebecca Johnson acknowledged the success of the operation. “This was a very carefully planned and precise strike against a known IS network. The objective here was disruption of their activities as well as to prevent them from launching other attacks. We are here to support our Iraqi partners in this fight against terror.”.
After months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, US forces were finally led to an IS compound where militants reportedly met. The raid was conducted with precision as much as possible using drones and fighter jets that would minimize civilian casualties. An ongoing probe is needed for verification, as early reports indicate none has been hurt.
The raid has been a subject of mixed reactions. The Iraqi government hailed the move as an imperative step in the fight against extremism. “We welcome the support of our international partners in the battle against IS. These coordinated efforts are necessary in eliminating the remnants of this terrorist organization and restoring peace to our country,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said.
Despite its effectiveness, the operation has also raised controversy. Critics have alleged that targeted strikes could be effective but often result in unwarranted spill-offs and fan anti-Americanism. Human rights organizations also call for greater transparency and accountability for the operations to ensure they do not violate international laws and norms.
Though the local and international forces have almost completely defeated the so-called Islamic State in the past few years, which previously dominated vast areas of Iraq and Syria, the militants are still a danger through guerrilla warfare and hit-and-run attacks. The US and its allies are still deployed in this region to prevent the IS from organizing themselves again and to back up the local forces.
This raises ongoing challenges of ridding the country of extremist groups as well as reasserting the solidity of the complex nature of modern warfare. That is one reason why it has been a sensitive issue for the US military, because it continues talking about its role in Iraq as well as what should be done long-term to stabilize the region.
As the scenario unfolds, both the US and Iraqi governments have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to meet the security challenges that are brought by IS. This latest operation serves as a reminder of the persistent threat that terrorism brings and the need for continuous vigilance and cooperation in fighting extremism.
After the strike, officials from both countries will analyze the impact and effectiveness of such a strike in the continued struggle against IS and other terrorist threats to revise strategies for the future.
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