US and Iraq launch joint raid killing 15 Islamic State.

US and Iraq launch joint raid killing 15 Islamic State militants
Seven American troops injured during battle in Anbar desert, says central command

Associated Press
Sat 31 Aug 2024 05.26 BST
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The US military and Iraq launched a joint raid targeting suspected Islamic State group militants in the Iraqi western desert that killed at least 15 people while seven American troops were hurt, officials said on Saturday.

The US military’s central command said the militants were armed with weapons, grenades and explosive belts during the battle on Thursday, which Iraqi forces said happened in the Anbar desert.

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“This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as US citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond,” central command said, using an acronym for the militant group. “Iraqi security forces continue to further exploit the locations raided.”

It added: “There is no indication of civilian casualties.”

An Iraqi military statement said “airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation”.

“Among the dead were key ISIS leaders,” Iraq’s military said, without identifying them. “All hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed, explosive belts were safely detonated and important documents, identification papers and communication devices were seized.”

A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the operation, said some American troops were wounded while two others were injured in falls. “All personnel are in stable condition,” the official said.

It was not immediately clear why it took two days for the US to acknowledge its part in the raid. Iraq did not say the US took part when initially announcing it. Iraqi politicians are debating the future of having American troops in the country.