General Jeffrey Harrigan, commander of US airstrikes in the Middle East, has told reporters that US forces have destroyed structures belonging to the 'Islamic State' in Iraq that posed a 'significant chemical threat' to civilians. The bombing targeted the group's weapons manufacturing facility in northern Mosul, where, according to General Harrigan, militants were producing chemical weapons using pharmaceutical materials. According to the Associated Press, Harrigan stated that mustard and chlorine gases were likely being produced at this location, but he did not provide further details on the matter. The American commander mentioned to reporters at the Pentagon that the airstrikes were 'extensive and well-planned,' targeting over 50 positions. Additionally, a variety of aircraft, including B-52s and F-18s, participated in this operation. General Harrigan indicated that the mission was part of major US efforts to destroy ISIS, kill its commanders, and 'dismantle' the organizational structure of this extremist group in Iraq and Syria. Major ISIS attacks in West Asia and North Africa led to the capture of Mosul, one of Iraq's key cities, in 2014 during the group's significant advances. Iraqi security forces and government-backed militias, supported by the US military, are now preparing for an offensive to retake Mosul after liberating Fallujah. The use of gas and chemical weapons in Iraq by the 'Islamic State' has a history, with reports of such incidents emerging; for instance, in November 2014, US Secretary of State John Kerry mentioned reports of chlorine gas being used against Iraqi security forces. In March of the same year, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq stated it had evidence that the group used chlorine gas against Peshmerga forces. A year later, a Western diplomat at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed that the 'Islamic State' had used 'mustard gas' against Kurdish forces in Iraq. The head of the CIA stated last month that 'ISIS' has reached the capability to produce small amounts of chlorine and mustard gases.
US Attack on ISIS in Northern Mosul; a 'Serious Chemical Threat' Eliminated
The US has conducted airstrikes in northern Mosul, destroying an ISIS facility that posed a chemical threat to civilians. General Jeffrey Harrigan reported that the operation was part of broader efforts to dismantle ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This development highlights ongoing US military involvement in the region and the persistent threat posed by ISIS.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The US conducted airstrikes in northern Mosul, targeting an ISIS facility that was producing chemical weapons. This operation aimed to eliminate a significant threat to civilians and is part of broader efforts to dismantle ISIS in the region.
- The airstrikes destroyed over 50 positions associated with ISIS.
- General Harrigan indicated that mustard and chlorine gases were likely being produced at the targeted facility.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
ISIS has a history of using chemical weapons in Iraq, posing a serious threat to civilian populations. The group's activities have prompted international military responses, particularly from the US.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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