In a joint operation, the U.S. military and Iraq targeted militants belonging to the Islamic State group in western Iraq. The raid occurred on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, while leaving seven U.S. troops injured. The Associated Press reported that five of the injured troops were hurt during Thursday's raid, two of whom suffered injuries from falls that occurred during the operation. One of the wounded soldiers had to be evacuated for further treatment, while the other had to be moved out of the region.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the raid was carried out to disrupt and degrade the ability of ISIS to plan and execute attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region. CENTCOM stated that the operatives who were targeted in the operation were armed with a significant quantity of weapons, grenades, and suicide belts.

CENTCOM also mentioned that there were no indications of civilian casualties resulting from the raid. Iraqi Security Forces are continuing to exploit the locations that were raided as part of the operation.

The Iraqi military confirmed that the raid involved airstrikes targeting hideouts, followed by an airborne operation. The military stated that key ISIS leaders were among the dead, although their identities were not disclosed. All hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed in the operation, and important documents, identification papers, and communication devices were seized. Additionally, explosive belts found during the raid were safely detonated.

This raid comes at a time when terrorist groups, including ISIS, have witnessed an increase in threats worldwide over the past three years since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. ISIS has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks in various countries this year, ranging from Turkey to Iran and Russia. Just recently, ISIS-affiliated actors carried out a stabbing attack in Germany and even threatened a Taylor Swift concert in Austria.

As per CENTCOM's statement in July, the militant group has been responsible for 153 attacks in Syria and Iraq in the first half of this year alone, indicating a significant escalation. The agency warned that the group was on track to surpass the total number of attacks it claimed in 2023.

The joint raid between the U.S. military and Iraq serves as a notable development in the ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and neutralize its leadership.