The US and Iraqi militaries have launched a joint operation to destroy suspected Islamic State militants.* in the country’s Western Desert, resulting in at least 15 people being killed and seven US servicemen being wounded, CBS News reported today, August 31, citing officials.
The US Central Command said the militants were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades and suicide vests” in the attack, which Iraqi military officials said took place in the Anbar desert.
The Iraqi army said in a statement that “in ISIS hideouts* Airstrikes were carried out, followed by an airborne operation.”
‘Key ISIS leaders were among the dead’*The Iraqi military said, without naming them. “All shelters, weapons and logistics were destroyed, explosive belts were rendered harmless and important identification documents and communications were confiscated.”
A U.S. Defense Department official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the operation. The Associated Press reported that five U.S. service members were wounded during the raid and two more were injured from falls during the operation. One of the fall victims was transported out of the region and one of the injured was evacuated for further treatment, the official said.
“All personnel are in stable condition” – said the official
*Terrorist organization banned in the territory of the Russian Federation.
