The U.S. military and Iraq targeted Islamic State group militants in a joint raid Friday that left at least 15 people dead, and seven U.S. troops hurt in Western Iraq.
Five U.S. troops were injured in the raid that took place Thursday, while two of them suffered injuries from falls that occurred during the operation, The Associated Press reported, citing a U.S. defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official also noted that one wounded soldier had to be evacuated for additional treatment while one who suffered the fall had to be moved out of the region, per the AP.
The raid, first reported by NBC News, resulted in the death of 15 ISIS operatives, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted late Friday.
The operatives were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts.” There was no indication of civilian casualties, according to CENTCOM.
“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,” the military agency said in the statement, adding that Iraqi Security Forces continue to further “exploit” the locations raided.
“There is no indication of civilian casualties,” CENTCOM wrote.
The AP also highlighted a statement from the Iraqi military following the raid, which said “airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation.”
“Among the dead were key ISIS leaders,” the military said, but did not identify the casualties. “All hideouts, weapons and logistical support were destroyed, explosive belts were safely detonated and important documents, identification papers and communication devices were seized.”
The news comes as threats from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State have been spiking worldwide for three years after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan. ISIS has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks this year across the world, from Turkey to Iran and Russia.
ISIS-affiliated actors also carried out a stabbing attack in Germany this month and threatened a Taylor Swift concert in Austria.
CENTCOM said in July that the militant group was accountable for 153 attacks in Syria and Iraq in the first half of this year and was “on pace to more than double the total number of attacks” it claimed in 2023.
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