Joint Forces Operation Targets High-Ranking ISIS Leaders in Iraq

Joint Forces Operation Targets High-Ranking ISIS Leaders in Iraq
Silhouettes of soldiers with assault rifles patrolling outdoors. Military service

Seven high-ranking ISIS members eliminated in a joint U.S.-Iraqi operation, but at what cost?

At a Glance

  • Iraqi and U.S. forces conducted successful raids against ISIS leadership in central Iraq
  • At least seven senior ISIS operatives killed, including the top ISIS figure in Iraq
  • Two U.S. service members wounded during the operation, now in stable condition
  • Operation part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks
  • Large quantities of weapons seized as the operation continues

Joint Operation Strikes ISIS Leadership

In an incredible demonstration of international cooperation against terrorism, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and U.S. forces have dealt a significant blow to ISIS leadership in central Iraq. The joint operation, conducted on October 22, targeted and eliminated at least seven senior ISIS operatives, including Jassim al-Mazrouei Abu Abdel Qader, identified as the top ISIS figure in the country. This decisive action marks a crucial step in the ongoing fight against the terrorist organization’s remnants in the region.

The operation was led by the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service and Iraq’s National Security Service, under the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, with vital support from the U.S. Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). This collaboration highlights the continued commitment of both nations to eradicate the ISIS threat, which persists despite the group’s territorial defeats in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019.

U.S. Casualties and Ongoing Commitment

While the operation was largely successful, it came at a cost. Two U.S. military personnel were wounded during the mission. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed their condition, stating, “Both of the U.S. service members are in ‘stable condition.'” This incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by American troops in the region and the price of maintaining global security.

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

The statement from Gen. Kurilla reaffirms the unwavering resolve of the U.S. and its allies in combating terrorism. This commitment is crucial, given that a recent UN report estimates that between 1,500 to 3,000 ISIS jihadists remain active in Iraq and Syria, posing an ongoing threat to regional stability.

Broader Strategy Against ISIS

The recent operation is part of a larger, coordinated effort to dismantle ISIS’s infrastructure and capabilities. On October 14, the ISF conducted precision airstrikes in northeastern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of four ISIS members, including a senior official in northern Iraq. Earlier, on October 11, U.S. Central Command forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS camps in Syria to further disrupt their operational capabilities.

These continuous operations demonstrate the relentless pressure being applied to ISIS networks across the region. The seizure of large quantities of weapons during the latest raid further weakens the terrorist group’s capabilities and disrupts their supply chains.

Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. Involvement

As these operations continue to yield results, questions arise about the long-term U.S. military presence in the region. Currently, about 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq and 900 in Syria. However, there are indications that the U.S. may be planning to end its military mission in Iraq within a year. This potential shift raises concerns about maintaining the pressure on ISIS and ensuring the stability of hard-won gains in the region.