Iraq: US and Iraqi Forces Kill 15 Islamic State Operatives, “ISIS Remains a Threat”
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – US forces and Iraqi security forces last week killed 15 Islamic State terrorists during an operation in western Iraq that also left seven US military personnel injured, Algemeiner reports.
Confirming US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the Iraqi military operation had taken place during the early hours of August 29. The ISIS operatives killed had been armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive “suicide” belts,” CENTCOM said. There was no indication of civilian casualties, CENTCOM added.
“This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond,” CENTCOM explained. “Iraqi Security Forces continue to further exploit the locations raided.”
“ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. U.S. CENTCOM alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists,” CENTCOM concluded.
In a statement to Algemeiner, two US officials said five US military personnel were wounded during actual exchanges of fire, and two other US personnel members were injured from falls during the operation, Algemeiner said. All US personnel are reported to be in stable condition. One of the wounded was evacuated for further treatment.