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15 Islamic State operatives dead in US military operation in Iraq

August 31, 2024
US military operation in Iraq

Fifteen Islamic State (ISIS) members were killed in an early August 29 operation in western Iraq, according to a statement released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday. The attack was carried out in tandem with the Iraqi Security Forces.

According to CENTCOM, "the ISIS element was equipped with multiple weapons, grenades, and explosive "suicide" belts." It further stated that there were no signs of civilian deaths during the attack.

The Associated Press later reported, citing the US military, that seven American troops were hurt in the combined raid.

Five were wounded in the operation while two others were hurt in falls, a US military official told the AP. "All personnel are in stable condition," the official said.

The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the injury toll.

At least five US personnel were injured in an attack earlier this month against a military base in Iraq.

Later, Iraq's foreign ministry said that an announcement on an end date for the US-led coalition's mission had been postponed due to the "latest developments", without identifying the developments.

Reuters reported in March that talks between the US and Iraq on ending the US-led military coalition in the country may not be concluded until after the US presidential elections in November.

A rare ally of both the US and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces.