In a joint operation carried out last month by Iraqi forces and American troops, a senior commander with the Islamic State group, who was wanted by the United States, was eliminated. The successful operation, which took place on August 29th in Iraq’s western Anbar province, also resulted in the elimination of several other prominent militants. The collaboration between U.S. Central Command, Iraq’s military, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, and Iraq’s air force proved to be instrumental in targeting and neutralizing these high-value targets.
One of the key figures killed in the operation was an ISIS commander from Tunisia, known as Abu Ali Al-Tunisi, for whom the U.S. Treasury Department had put out a reward of $5 million for information leading to his capture or death. Additionally, Ahmad Hamed Zwein, the Islamic State deputy commander in Iraq, was also among the casualties of the operation. The elimination of these top-ranking ISIS leaders dealt a significant blow to the terrorist organization’s operational capabilities in the region.
In a statement released by U.S. Central Command, two other ISIS leaders were identified as Ahmad Hamid Husayn Abd-al-Jalil al-Ithawi, who was responsible for overseeing all ISIS operations in Iraq, and Shakir Abud Ahmad al-Issawi, who was in charge of military operations in western Iraq. The successful elimination of these key figures was a major victory in the ongoing fight against ISIS and its affiliates.
While Friday’s announcement shed light on the details of the operation, it was not the first time news of the joint U.S.-Iraqi raid had surfaced. Two weeks prior, reports had emerged about a similar operation targeting suspected ISIS militants in Iraq’s western desert. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left seven American troops injured. The combined efforts of U.S. and Iraqi forces led to the identification and elimination of 14 “ISIS operatives,” with DNA tests confirming their identities. The 15th individual who was reportedly killed remained unidentified by U.S. and Iraqi authorities.
During the raid, five American troops sustained injuries, while two others were hurt in falls during the operation. The wounded personnel received immediate medical attention, with one individual being evacuated for further treatment. The operation also resulted in the seizure of weapons, computers, smartphones, and 10 explosive belts, further disrupting ISIS’s ability to carry out terrorist activities in the region.
The Islamic State group, at the peak of its power, had managed to seize territory and declare a caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria back in 2014. However, the group suffered significant losses and was eventually defeated in Iraq in 2017. By March 2019, the extremists had lost the last remaining stronghold in eastern Syria, marking a significant turning point in the fight against ISIS.
Despite these setbacks, ISIS sleeper cells have continued to pose a threat in Iraq and Syria, carrying out attacks that have resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to numerous individuals. The extremist group’s brutal tactics, which included targeting religious minority groups and imposing harsh punishments on dissenters, have left a lasting impact on the affected communities.
In a related development, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that its forces had successfully eliminated an ISIS attack cell member in a strike conducted in eastern Syria. The individual was reportedly planting an improvised explosive device in preparation for an attack against anti-ISIS coalition forces and their partners, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by ISIS-affiliated militants in the region.
In August of the previous year, the U.S. had initiated talks to transition its forces, along with those of the anti-ISIS coalition, from their role in supporting Iraq’s efforts against ISIS. With approximately 2,500 U.S. troops currently stationed in Iraq, the decision to withdraw these forces will be based on the security situation on the ground and the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces. This strategic shift reflects the evolving dynamics in the region and the need to empower Iraqi security forces to take the lead in combating terrorism.
As the fight against ISIS and its affiliates continues, the joint efforts of U.S. and Iraqi forces remain crucial in dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety and security of the region. The recent operation’s success in eliminating key ISIS leaders underscores the determination and resolve of the international community to combat terrorism and uphold peace and stability in Iraq and beyond.
