The U.S. military, in coordination with Iraqi Security Forces, has carried out a joint operation in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of 15 Islamic State (IS) "operatives." The operation, conducted early Thursday, was aimed at targeting the leadership of the militant group.

According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (Centcom), American and Iraqi troops faced resistance from IS members who were armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive "suicide" belts. Centcom emphasized that there were no civilian casualties reported during the operation.

Reports from U.S. media indicate that seven American soldiers were injured during the mission, although Centcom has yet to comment on this. The Iraqi military provided additional details, noting that the operation began with airstrikes on IS hideouts, followed by a ground assault in the desert and caves. The operation successfully destroyed the hideouts, weapons, and logistical support, safely detonated explosive belts, and recovered important documents, identification papers, and communication devices.

Centcom stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to "disrupt and degrade" IS's capability to plan and execute attacks against Americans, Iraqis, and allied forces both within and outside the region. Although the U.S. formally ended its combat mission in Iraq in December 2021, approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain in the country in an advisory role. Iraq had recently postponed a planned end date for U.S. military operations.

This operation comes in the wake of recent attacks and plots in Europe linked to IS, including an attempted attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna and a deadly attack in Solingen, Germany. Intelligence from the CIA helped prevent the Vienna attack, which could have resulted in hundreds of casualties. The suspect in the Solingen attack is also being investigated for IS connections. Additionally, IS claimed responsibility for a rare shooting near a Shia mosque in Muscat, Oman, earlier this summer.

While IS has lost much of its territory in Iraq and Syria due to a U.S.-led coalition, the group remains active, and its online propaganda continues to inspire extremists. A senior official in London described IS as "down but not out," reflecting the ongoing threat the group poses.