16 ‘terrorists’ killed in joint Iraq-coalition operation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi security forces announced on Thursday that they killed 16 suspected terrorists in Anbar province during a counter-terrorism operation conducted with support from the international coalition.

Nine “terrorists” and seven “suicide bombers” were killed in the deserts of Anbar’s northern Rutba district, the security forces’ Joint Operations Command said in a statement that did not identify any groups the suspects were affiliated with. However, photos published with the statement depicted Islamic State (ISIS) flags along with the bodies.

Security forces also destroyed some weaponry, ammunition, and equipment, and are continuing to comb the area.

“This surprise and distinguished operation came with air and technical support from the international coalition,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, the American military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two US personnel were injured while assisting Iraqi forces in an operation that targeted ISIS hideouts in the Hamrin Mountains of central Iraq and killed nine senior ISIS figures, including the group’s top leader in Iraq.

In his statement announcing the operation, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani praised Iraqi forces on their “exceptional mission,” but did not mention the role of any foreign forces.

The coalition mission in Iraq is set to conclude in September 2025. The date was agreed upon following negotiations between Baghdad and Washington that were initiated after forces within Iraq called for the expulsion of American troops.

ISIS seized control of vast swathes of northern and central Iraqi territory in 2014. The jihadists’ so-called “caliphate” was brought to an end in 2017 as Iraqi and Kurdish fighters, supported by the US-led international coalition, clawed back territory from the group.

Despite its territorial defeat, ISIS has continued to pose security threats through hit-and-run attacks, bombings, and abductions, particularly in the disputed territories that stretch across several provinces including Diyala, Salahaddin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh.