Four ISIS Members Killed in Iraq

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that on October 15, Iraqi security forces conducted 'precise airstrikes' in northern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of four members of the terrorist organization ISIS, including a senior leader of the group. CENTCOM emphasized that these operations were led by Iraq to eliminate and dismantle ISIS networks in the country, supported by technical and intelligence assistance from coalition forces as part of a 'joint task force.' The deceased ISIS leader was identified as 'Alawi Saleh Al-Bajari,' known as Abu Aisa, who was the 'governor of Kirkuk' and the highest-ranking ISIS official in northern Iraq. CENTCOM stated that initial assessments following the attack revealed the discovery of suicide belts, explosives, multiple weapons, and ammunition, with no signs of civilian casualties. The U.S. Central Command described the aim of the Iraqi security forces' attacks as part of the coalition's ongoing commitment to disrupt the planning, organization, and execution of terrorist attacks against civilians and military personnel throughout the region and beyond. In September, the 'joint task force' also conducted an operation in collaboration with Iraqi security forces that resulted in the deaths of 14 ISIS operatives, including 4 leaders of the group. General Michael Eric Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, labeled ISIS as 'a threat to the region, U.S. allies, and the security of this country,' emphasizing that the U.S. will continue its offensive operations to pursue terrorists alongside the coalition and its Iraqi partners. CENTCOM announced the names of four ISIS leaders killed in a joint operation two weeks prior. Additionally, there was cooperation between the U.S. military and Syrian Democratic Forces; a fugitive ISIS leader was captured. A joint operation by CENTCOM and Iraqi security forces in western Iraq resulted in the deaths of 15 ISIS members. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated that the announcement of the end date for coalition forces' mission has been postponed. Reuters reported that several American soldiers were injured in a drone attack on coalition forces in Syria on Friday; the injuries are minor.