U.S.-Led Raid in Iraq Kills 15 Islamic State Militants

A U.S. military-led raid in western Iraq resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Islamic State militants, who resisted with weapons including grenades and explosive suicide belts, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The joint operation, conducted early Thursday in collaboration with Iraq’s security forces, targeted the group’s leadership to disrupt their ability to plan and carry out attacks in the region. CENTCOM confirmed there were no civilian casualties during the raid.

A U.S. defense official reported that seven U.S. soldiers were injured during the operation, though none of the injuries were life-threatening. The raid comes in the wake of an attack in Germany by a Syrian refugee with suspected ties to the Islamic State, which resulted in three deaths and eight injuries.

Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Iraq, with an additional 900 in Syria, primarily in an “advise and assist” role. These troops are tasked with preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State group and limiting the operations of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, which are linked to Tehran’s security forces.

In March, Reuters reported that discussions between the U.S. and Iraq regarding the withdrawal of the U.S.-led military coalition might not be finalized until after the U.S. presidential elections in November.