In a joint operation, the US military and Iraqi forces launched a raid on suspected ISIS militants in the Iraqi western desert, killing at least 15 people and injuring seven American troops.
According to a statement released by the US military’s central command on Saturday, the militants were armed with weapons, grenades, and explosive belts during the battle, which took place on Thursday in the Anbar desert.
The central command stated that the operation targeted ISIS leaders in an effort to disrupt and degrade the group’s ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as US citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond.
“Iraqi security forces continue to further exploit the locations raided,” the statement added, noting that there was no indication of civilian casualties.
An Iraqi military statement provided further details on the operation, stating that airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation. The statement did not provide further information on the number of militants killed or the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes.
The joint raid is the latest in a series of operations targeting ISIS militants in Iraq, who have continued to pose a threat to the country’s stability and security despite the group’s territorial defeat in 2017.
The US has maintained a military presence in Iraq since the invasion in 2003, and has continued to provide support to Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIS. The joint operation on Thursday highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in combating the militant group.
However, the operation has also raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and the impact on local communities. The Anbar desert is a vast and remote region, and it is unclear how many civilians may have been affected by the airstrikes and airborne operation.
The US military’s central command stated that there was no indication of civilian casualties, but human rights groups have expressed concerns about the potential for harm to non-combatants. The Iraqi military statement did not provide further information on the measures taken to minimize harm to civilians.
The operation has also sparked debate about the effectiveness of the US and Iraqi strategy in combating ISIS. While the group has been territorially defeated, it continues to pose a threat through guerrilla attacks and bombings.
Some analysts have argued that the US and Iraqi forces need to adopt a more nuanced approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of the conflict and engaging with local communities to prevent the spread of extremist ideology.
Others have argued that the US and Iraqi forces need to take a more aggressive approach, targeting ISIS militants and their supporters through military operations and intelligence gathering.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how effective the joint operation will be in disrupting and degrading ISIS’ ability to plan and conduct attacks. One thing is certain, however: the ongoing conflict in Iraq will continue to have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
