US-Iraq Raid Kills 15 ISIS Militants, Wounds American Troops

A joint raid by U.S. and Iraqi forces in western Iraq on Thursday resulted in the deaths of 15 ISIS militants, including key leaders.

However, the operation also left seven American service members wounded.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement detailing the early-morning raid, which targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt their ability to plan and execute attacks.

The militants were armed with a variety of weapons, including grenades and suicide belts.

Read Also: Nationwide Demonstrations Grip Israel Following Hamas Hostage Deaths

Iraqi forces have continued their efforts to dismantle ISIS networks in the country, conducting numerous raids and arrests since the Thursday operation.

According to the Security Media Cell, the slain militants included “important leaders of the first rank” of ISIS.

The raid, which took two months of planning, involved airstrikes followed by ground forces with support from the international coalition.

The U.S. defense officials confirmed that five American personnel were wounded during the operation, while two others sustained injuries from falls. All wounded personnel are in stable condition.

Read Also: Ukraine Deepens Incursion Into Russia, Destroys Seym Bridge

While the CENTCOM statement did not specify the types of forces involved in the raid, it is likely that special operations units were deployed.

The U.S. currently maintains a force of 2,500 troops in Iraq to train and advise Iraqi security forces.

Earlier this year, the U.S. and Iraq began discussions about potentially reducing the role of the international military coalition assisting Iraq, which could lead to a decrease in U.S. forces.