Iraqi Forces Eliminate Top Islamic State Leaders in Joint Operation with US Support
Baghdad, Iraq – In a significant counterterrorism operation announced on Tuesday, Iraqi forces have killed nine commanders of the Islamic State (IS) group, including the notorious figure known as the group’s “governor” in Iraq. The mission, which took place in the northern Hamrin Mountains, was executed with crucial intelligence and technical support from the US-led coalition against IS.
Iraq’s Joint Operations Command revealed that the target of the raid was identified as Jassim al-Mazrouei Abu Abdel Qader, regarded as a key leader within the jihadist organization. The statement emphasized the ongoing operation, during which “large quantities of weapons” were also seized.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed the U.S. involvement, stating that the operation, executed overnight, resulted in the death of multiple IS operatives. He added that two U.S. service members sustained injuries during the raid but are currently in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani welcomed the successful operation, characterizing it as a decisive blow to IS. He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to pursuing and eliminating jihadists across the country.
Despite being defeated in Iraq in 2017, the Islamic State remains active, occasionally orchestrating attacks. A United Nations report in July indicated that there are still between 1,500 and 3,000 IS fighters operating in Iraq and Syria.
This latest raid follows a series of counterterror initiatives by Iraqi security forces, often in collaboration with U.S. military efforts. Earlier this month, Iraqi forces conducted precision air strikes that resulted in the death of a senior IS leader and other militants. Furthermore, a joint operation in late August eliminated 15 IS fighters in Iraq’s western desert.
As part of the broader fight against IS, the U.S. maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria. Last month, both the U.S. and Iraqi officials announced plans to conclude their military mission in Iraq within a year, signaling a shift in strategy as the two nations continue to address the lingering threat of IS in the region.
