### Iraqi Forces Eliminate Islamic State Leader in Decisive Military Operation

In a strategic military operation, Iraqi forces successfully eliminated Jassim al-Mazroui Abu Abdul Qader, the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Iraq, along with eight senior members of the group. This operation was carried out under the direction of Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and executed by counterterrorism forces and the national security service, operating within the Joint Operations Command in the Hamrin Mountains, Salahuddin province.

Prime Minister al-Sudani emphasized the country's firm stance against terrorism, declaring that "there is no place for terrorists in Iraq, and we will pursue them to their hideouts and eliminate them." This operation also involved significant international collaboration, as the Joint Operations Command noted the technical support and intelligence sharing from coalition forces, underscoring the global effort against terrorism.

The Joint Operations Command stated that alongside the neutralization of these key figures, the operation resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. The identities of the other militants killed will be verified and disclosed following DNA tests.

This announcement comes in the wake of the recent U.S. agreement with the Iraqi government to conclude the American-led coalition's military mission in Iraq by next year. The coalition formed by more than 80 countries, primarily led by the United States, has played a crucial role in dismantling the Islamic State's territorial control in Iraq and Syria, which peaked around 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Iraqi officials have expressed confidence in their security forces' ability to manage the remaining sleeper cells and prevent any potential resurgence of the militant group, highlighting the progress made in securing the nation from extremist threats.