A U.S. military operation conducted in Iraq’s Anbar province on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Islamic State (ISIS) fighters and injuries to at least six American soldiers, according to three U.S. defense officials. The raid, carried out in partnership with Iraqi security forces, targeted ISIS leadership in the region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation in a statement released Friday night, emphasizing that the mission aimed 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.”
The injuries sustained by U.S. soldiers were not described as life-threatening. Several cases of possible traumatic brain injury were reported, with at least one soldier suffering external injuries. The ISIS operatives encountered during the raid were reportedly “armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts,” according to CENTCOM.
CENTCOM stated that there were no indications of civilian casualties during the operation. The command also noted that Iraqi Security Forces continue to exploit the raided locations for further intelligence and tactical advantages.
