An Iraqi military statement said, “airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation.”
The United States military and Iraq recently launched a joint raid targeting suspected Islamic State group militants in the country’s western desert. The operation resulted in the death of at least 15 people, and seven American troops were injured during the raid. This operation comes after years of ongoing efforts to combat the Islamic State group following their dislodging from their self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria.
The U.S. military’s Central Command reported that the militants possessed weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts during the attack in the Anbar Desert. The operation aimed to disrupt and degrade the Islamic State’s ability to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region.
The Iraqi military confirmed that key ISIS leaders were among the dead, and all hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed. The U.S. defense official revealed that five American troops were wounded in the raid, while two others sustained injuries due to falls. However, all personnel are currently in stable condition.
Despite the successful operation, it took two days for the U.S. to acknowledge its involvement. This delay raises questions amid ongoing debates about the future of American troops in Iraq.
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq has faced challenges balancing its relationships with the U.S. and Iran. Tensions have escalated with Iranian-aligned militias targeting American forces, leading to retaliatory U.S. airstrikes. The Islamic State group, although significantly weakened, continues to operate in the Anbar Desert and elsewhere, inspiring attacks globally.
While the coalition led by the U.S. successfully dismantled the Islamic State’s territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group remains a threat, carrying out attacks and inspiring violence worldwide. The recent raid underscores the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the region.
