U.S.-Iraqi Raid Eliminates Four Key Islamic State Leaders in Western Iraq

A collaborative effort between U.S. and Iraqi security forces has dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State organization. In a raid conducted on August 29, 2023, four key leaders of the extremist group were eliminated in western Iraq, as announced by U.S. military officials on September 15, 2023.

The operation, which resulted in the deaths of 14 Islamic State operatives in total, was designed to impair the terrorist group's ability to orchestrate and execute attacks in the region and beyond. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) reported that the raid targeted four well-concealed hideouts in the al-Hazeemi area, east of Wadi al-Ghadaf.

Among the four leaders eliminated were:

• Ahmad Hamid Husayn Abd-al-Jalil al-Ithawi, responsible for all Islamic State operations in Iraq
• Abu Hammam, who oversaw operations in western Iraq
• Abu Ali al-Tunisi, in charge of technical development
• Shakir Abud Ahmad al-Issawi, responsible for military operations in western Iraq

The operation began with surprise airstrikes on the hideouts, leading to the destruction of weapons, ammunition, and the seizure of documents and digital devices. Centcom described the militants as heavily armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts.

"The operation was designed to disrupt and degrade the terrorist group's ability to organize and launch attacks throughout the region and beyond."

It's worth noting that seven American troops were wounded during this mission, a relatively high number compared to other operations. Currently, the United States maintains approximately 2,500 service members in Iraq and 900 in Syria, tasked with eliminating remnants of the Islamic State.

The Islamic State, founded in 1999, reached its peak in 2014 when it controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria and declared a caliphate. Known for its brutal tactics and strict interpretation of Islamic law, the group has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks worldwide and has inspired lone-wolf attacks in various countries.

Despite being largely defeated territorially by 2019, including the death of its first leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a U.S. raid that year, the organization continues to pose a threat. The group has established affiliates in several countries and has been known to finance itself through oil sales, extortion, and looting.

This recent operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the Islamic State's influence and capabilities. However, U.S. forces in the region are also facing increased attacks from Iranian-backed militants, particularly since the onset of Israel's military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the situation in the Middle East remains complex, the elimination of these key Islamic State leaders represents a significant step in the ongoing fight against extremism in the region.