In the early hours of August 29th, US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, alongside Iraqi Security Forces, carried out a successful raid in western Iraq, eliminating 15 Islamic State (ISIS) operatives. The ISIS group was heavily armed, possessing numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive suicide belts. Thankfully, there were no reported civilian casualties during the operation. However, the raid came at a cost, with seven American troops sustaining injuries. Five troops were wounded during the operation, while two others were injured in separate falls. According to US military officials, all injured personnel are currently in stable condition.
The US Department of Defense has not yet provided a statement regarding the injury toll. Earlier this month, a US military base in Iraq was attacked, resulting in injuries to at least five US personnel. These events, coupled with the recent raid, have raised questions about the future of the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq. Iraq’s foreign ministry recently announced that an announcement on the end date for the coalition’s mission had been postponed due to recent developments, without specifying the nature of these developments.
In March, Reuters reported that discussions between the US and Iraq on ending the US-led military coalition might not conclude until after the US presidential elections in November. Iraq, a rare ally of both the US and Iran, currently hosts 2,500 US troops. The country also houses Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces, creating a complex geopolitical landscape. The ongoing fight against ISIS in Iraq continues to be a focal point for the US military, and these recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of the situation.
