Iraqi Security Forces Target ISIS Leadership With Support From US

An operation led by Iraqi forces and assisted by the Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve has struck a significant blow against ISIS, eliminating seven senior members, but not without cost as two American troops were wounded in the process.

At a Glance

Multiple ISIS members were killed in a joint US-Iraqi operation.
Two US troops were wounded but are now in stable condition.
The operation targeted ISIS leadership in central Iraq.
This is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and degrade ISIS networks.

Operation Targets ISIS Leadership

On October 22, a mission led by Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) with support from US troops targeted several senior ISIS leaders in central Iraq. The operation resulted in the elimination of multiple high-ranking ISIS operatives, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization’s command structure. However, the success came at a cost, as two US military personnel were wounded during the mission.

The wounded American troops were assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation when the injuries occurred. CENTCOM reported in a press release that both of the servicemembers were stable. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by US forces in their continued efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Coordinated Efforts to Dismantle ISIS

The operation was a coordinated effort between the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, Iraq’s National Security Service, and the US-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). This collaborative approach demonstrates the commitment of both nations to eradicating the threat posed by ISIS in Iraq and the broader Middle East.

“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to U.S. forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla.

The recent mission is part of a series of operations targeting ISIS leadership. On October 14, ISF conducted precision airstrikes in northeastern Iraq, resulting in the death of four ISIS members, including a senior official. Earlier, on October 11, US Central Command forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS camps in Syria, further demonstrating the multi-pronged approach to combating the terrorist group.

Impact on ISIS Leadership

The operation dealt a blow to ISIS’s leadership structure in Iraq. Iraqi forces reported killing nine ISIS commanders, including Jassim al-Mazrouei Abu Abdel Qader, identified as the top ISIS figure in the country. The mission took place in the northern Hamrin Mountains, a known stronghold for ISIS remnants.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the elimination of the ISIS “governor of Iraq” and eight senior leaders, highlighting the operation’s significance in disrupting the group’s command and control capabilities. Large quantities of weapons were also seized during the raid, further weakening ISIS’s operational capacity.

Ongoing Threat and Future Operations

Despite significant losses, ISIS remains a threat in the region. A recent UN report estimated that between 1,500 to 3,000 ISIS jihadists are still active in Iraq and Syria. This persistent threat underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts between the US and its regional partners.

The US maintains a presence of about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria to support counter-terrorism efforts. However, there are plans to end the US military mission in Iraq within a year, shifting towards a more advisory and support role. As the situation evolves, the focus will likely remain on building the capacity of Iraqi forces to independently manage security threats.

As the fight against ISIS enters a new phase, the recent operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to regional stability and the enduring partnership between the US and Iraq in combating terrorism.