In a recent operation in Iraq's western region, the U.S. military collaborated with Iraqi forces in a raid that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals suspected to be militants from the Islamic State group. This raid, which took place in the Anbar Desert, aimed to disrupt and degrade the group's ability to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region and beyond.
The Central Command of the U.S. military revealed that the militants were heavily armed with weapons, grenades, and explosive suicide belts during the attack. The operation, which occurred on Thursday, targeted key ISIS leaders, according to the Iraqi military. The airstrikes on hideouts were followed by an airborne operation that led to the destruction of all hideouts, weapons, and logistical support. Additionally, important documents, identification papers, and communication devices were seized, while explosive belts were safely detonated.
Despite the intensity of the raid, there were no reported civilian casualties. The U.S. military's involvement in the operation was not immediately disclosed, raising questions about the future presence of American troops in Iraq as political debates continue on the matter.
The Islamic State group, known for its extreme interpretation of Islam, once controlled a vast territory across Iraq and Syria where it enforced its brutal ideology. Following a coalition effort led by the United States and comprising more than 80 countries, the group lost its territorial stronghold in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019.
However, remnants of the Islamic State continue to operate in the Anbar Desert and Syria, carrying out attacks and claiming responsibility for incidents worldwide. The group's branch in Afghanistan is particularly notorious for its violent assaults.
