By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
Baghdad, October 22, 2024 — Two U.S. service members were injured during a joint U.S.-Iraqi raid that targeted senior ISIS leaders in northern Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday. The operation resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS operatives, including Jasim al-Masroui Abu Abdel Qadir, the newly appointed leader of ISIS in Iraq.
The raid, which took place in the Hamrin Mountains, was a coordinated effort between U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi security forces, aiming to dismantle ISIS leadership networks in the region. The operation is part of the ongoing U.S. mission in Iraq to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, despite the group’s territorial defeat in 2019.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a briefing that the two injured U.S. service members are in stable condition, and post-operation assessments are still underway. “The raid resulted in the death of multiple ISIS operatives,” Ryder stated. “We’ll provide more details once we have confirmed information.”
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani praised the successful operation, announcing that the ISIS leader and eight other senior ISIS members were killed. The Iraqi armed forces noted that DNA tests are still pending to confirm the identities of the additional ISIS operatives killed in the raid.
The raid marks a significant blow to ISIS, as Abu Abdel Qadir had only recently assumed leadership following the death of his predecessor in another U.S.-Iraqi operation two months ago.
U.S. forces continue to maintain a presence in Iraq, with approximately 2,500 troops stationed there and 900 more in eastern Syria, as part of efforts to combat ISIS remnants. According to CENTCOM estimates, around 2,500 ISIS fighters remain active across Iraq and Syria. In the first half of 2024, ISIS carried out 153 attacks in the region, reflecting an increased operational pace compared to 2023.
As U.S. and Iraqi forces intensify their operations against ISIS, this latest raid is seen as a crucial step in diminishing the group’s ability to regroup and carry out attacks. However, challenges remain, as ISIS fighters continue to operate in remote areas, utilizing guerilla tactics against security forces in both Iraq and Syria.