In a daring military operation conducted early Thursday morning, a joint force of U.S. and Iraqi personnel launched a successful raid on four Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in western Iraq. The mission, aimed at disrupting and degrading the terrorist group's ability to plan and carry out attacks, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 ISIS fighters. However, the raid did come at a cost, with seven American troops sustaining injuries during the operation.

According to officials from U.S. Central Command, the raid force specifically targeted ISIS leaders, although their identities have not been disclosed. The operation took place in the area of Al-Hazeemi, east of Wadi Al-Ghadaf, a river bed in the Anbar desert. The heavily camouflaged hideouts were subjected to consecutive and surprise airstrikes, followed by an airborne operation by the joint force.

The militants put up significant resistance, being heavily armed with a wide array of weapons, including grenades and explosive belts typically used in suicide attacks. In the face of this formidable opposition, the U.S. and Iraqi forces pressed on, ultimately managing to destroy all four hideouts, along with the militants' weapons, ammunition, and seizing valuable intelligence materials such as documents, computers, and phones.

Although the Iraqi armed forces initially reported 14 ISIS fighters killed, while U.S. officials stated the number as 15, the reason for this discrepancy remains unclear. Furthermore, the extent of injuries sustained by the Iraqi personnel involved in the mission has not been confirmed.

Of the seven U.S. service members wounded, two required evacuation for further medical care. The specific details surrounding the injuries remain undisclosed, with two of them resulting from a fall. However, defense officials assured that all injured personnel were in stable condition.

This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge faced by the 2,500 U.S. troops deployed in Iraq, alongside an additional 900 troops in neighboring Syria, as they continue to combat the remnants of ISIS. It is particularly notable for the relatively high number of injured personnel compared to previous missions.

In recent months, U.S. forces in the region have also encountered an increase in drone and rocket attacks by other adversaries. Iranian-backed militants, incensed by the American military and political assistance provided to Israel, have targeted bases housing U.S. troops. In response, the Pentagon has occasionally launched retaliatory strikes. In February, the Biden administration approved limited airstrikes after 165 attacks on U.S. forces since the start of Israel's operation in Gaza, which took the lives of three U.S. soldiers in a drone strike.

The presence of American troops in Iraq is widely unpopular among the country's citizens, and discussions have taken place between Washington and Baghdad about the possible withdrawal of at least some U.S. forces. However, no concrete plans have been announced thus far.

As the joint efforts of U.S. and Iraqi forces continue in their pursuit to eradicate ISIS, Thursday's successful mission marks an important milestone in disrupting their operations and preventing future attacks.