Washington [US], August 31: The US military conducted a raid in Iraq that killed 15 Islamic State (IS) militants but also injured seven soldiers.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on August 31 that it had coordinated with Iraqi security forces to raid a location in western Iraq early on August 29, killing 15 IS gunmen.
IS members were armed with weapons, grenades and suicide belts.
The raid left seven US soldiers injured but all are in stable condition. There were no signs of civilian casualties in the raid.
"This campaign targets ISIL leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIL's ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians as well as U.S., allied, and partner citizens across the region and beyond," CENTCOM said.
According to CENTCOM, IS remains a threat to the region, allies and US territory. The US military and allies and partners will continue to actively pursue this force.
At least five US service members were also wounded in an attack on a military base in Iraq this month. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry later announced that it would postpone the end of the US-led coalition's military mission "due to the latest developments".
Talks between the United States and Iraq on ending the coalition mission may not be completed before the US presidential election in November, according to Reuters.
There are about 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed militia groups are also believed to be linked to Iraqi security forces.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
