Seven US troops were injured in a raid in Iraq on Thursday night that resulted in the death of 15 ISIS members. The operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade their ability to plan and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, US citizens, allies, and partners in the region and beyond.
Five personnel were wounded during the operation, with one evacuated for further treatment. Two other US personnel were injured from falls during the operation, with one requiring evacuation for follow-up care. Fortunately, all injured personnel are reported to be in stable condition.
The 15 ISIS operatives who were killed were armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive suicide belts, according to US Central Command. There were no civilian casualties reported during the raid.
The US military stated that Iraqi security forces are working to exploit the locations raided as ISIS remains a threat to the region, allies, and the homeland. The US, along with coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue ISIS operatives.
Operation Inherent Resolve, the US military operation combating ISIS in Iraq, has had its end date postponed due to recent developments. This has raised questions about the future of the US military presence in the Gulf state amid heightened tensions in the region.
Currently, there are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq operating in an advise and assist capacity since the end of the combat role in December 2021. The Middle East has experienced increased tensions recently, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and concerns over potential Iranian attacks following the killing of a Hamas political leader in Tehran.
In response to these tensions, the US Department of Defense announced the deployment of a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships to the Middle East in preparation for possible retaliation. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also ordered a guided-missile submarine and accelerated the arrival of a carrier strike group to the region.
