Four Islamic State leaders killed in August raid in Iraq, U.S. says

SUMMARY

In August, a joint U.S.-Iraqi raid in western Iraq led to the death of four top Islamic State leaders, including Ahmad Hamid Husayn Abd-al-Jalil al-Ithawi, the group’s head of operations in Iraq. The operation, conducted on August 29, was detailed in a statement released by U.S. Central Command (Centcom) on September 14, 2024. The raid targeted four Islamic State hideouts with surprise airstrikes, killing 14 operatives and destroying hideouts, weapons, and ammunition. The operation also seized critical documents and digital devices. Seven American troops were wounded during the mission. The U.S. maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria to counter the Islamic State and other threats, amidst rising attacks from Iranian-backed militants.