U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a successful raid in Western Iraq, resulting in the death of 14 ISIS terror operatives, including four leaders: Ahmad Hamid Husayn Abd-al-Jalil al-Ithawi, Abu Hammam, Abu-‘Ali al-Tunisi, and Shakir Abud Ahmad al-Issawi. The raid, which took place on August 29 and was carried out in partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, targeted ISIS leaders responsible for military and technical operations in Iraq. CENTCOM stated that the operation aimed to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ ability to plan, organize, and carry out attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners in the region and beyond.
According to the Department of National Intelligence, ISIS is a Salafi-jihadist group that has conducted and inspired terrorist attacks worldwide, resulting in thousands of casualties. The current leader of ISIS is Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who assumed the role in February 2022. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, affirmed the commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the group to the United States, allies, partners, and regional stability. Moving forward, CENTCOM remains focused on countering the activities and influence of ISIS to safeguard global security.
The successful raid in Western Iraq marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against ISIS and terrorism. The targeted elimination of 14 ISIS operatives, including key leaders, represents a significant blow to the organization’s capabilities and operational effectiveness. By disrupting ISIS’ leadership structure and operational capacity, the raid has contributed to enhancing the security and stability of Iraq and the broader region. The partnership between the U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces underscores the collaborative approach to tackling terrorist threats and safeguarding innocent civilians from violent extremism.
As the global community continues to grapple with the persistent threat of terrorism, the eradication of ISIS remains a top priority for CENTCOM and its partners. The enduring defeat of ISIS requires a coordinated and multifaceted effort to dismantle the group’s networks, eliminate its leadership, and disrupt its ability to carry out attacks. By targeting and eliminating key operatives responsible for planning and executing terrorist activities, CENTCOM aims to weaken ISIS’ capacity to inflict harm and violence, thereby bolstering regional security and safeguarding the lives of civilians and military personnel at risk.
In the wake of the raid in Western Iraq, CENTCOM’s unwavering commitment to countering ISIS and ensuring the safety and security of the United States, its allies, and partners is evident. The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted military action in dismantling terrorist threats and disrupting extremist activities. As the fight against ISIS and global terrorism continues, CENTCOM remains vigilant and proactive in its efforts to combat violent extremism, safeguard innocent lives, and promote peace and stability in regions affected by terrorist activities. The cooperation between the U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces exemplifies the collective resolve to confront and defeat terrorist organizations that seek to sow chaos, fear, and destruction.
