US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday its forces conducted a partnered raid with the Iraqi Security Forces in western Iraq in the early hours of Aug. 29,
resulting in the deaths of 15 Islamic State (ISIS) operatives.
“The ISIS element was armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive “suicide” belts,” CENTCOM said. It also added that there were no indication of civilian casualties in the raid.
CENTCOM said it had targeted members of the Islamic State leadership in an effort to “disrupt and degrade”, the group’s ability to plan, organise and attack Americans, Iraqis and their allies within and outside the region.
Seven US troops were injured in the joint raid, the Associated Press reported later citing the U.S. military.
Five were wounded in the operation while two others were hurt in falls, a US military official told the AP. “All personnel are in stable condition,” the official said.
The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the injury toll.
In an earlier statement, the Iraqi military said “airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation”, in the country’s “desert and caves”.
“All hideouts, weapons and logistical support were destroyed, explosive belts were safely detonated and important documents, identification papers and communication devices were seized,” it said.
At least five US personnel were injured in an attack earlier this month against a military base in Iraq.
Later, Iraq’s foreign ministry said that an announcement on an end date for the U.S.-led coalition’s mission had been postponed due to the “latest developments”, without identifying the developments.
Reuters reported in March that talks between the US and Iraq on ending the U.S.-led military coalition in the country may not be concluded until after U.S. presidential elections in November.
A rare ally of both the US and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 US troops and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces.
With Reuters inputs
