Four prominent ISIS figureheads were eliminated during a military operation in western Iraq last month, as reported by the United States military.
CENTCOM acknowledges the pivotal roles of four ISIS leaders: Ahmad Hamid Husayn Abd-al-Jalil al-Ithawi, overseeing Iraqi operations; Abu Hammam, managing western region tasks; Abu-‘Ali al-Tunisi, focusing on technical advancements; and Shakir Abud Ahmad al-Issawi, handling military operations in the west.
Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, emphasized, "CENTCOM remains committed to the lasting defeat of ISIS, posing a continuous threat to the U.S., allies, partners, and regional stability."
On August 29, in conjunction with Iraqi security forces, an operation in western Iraq occurred, resulting in over a dozen ISIS operatives' demise, all armed with various weapons, grenades, and explosive vests. Incidentally, seven US troops sustained injuries during this raid. No indications of civilian fatalities surfaced at that time.
Given the intensifying tensions in the Middle East, Iraq has delayed announcing a departure date for the US-led military coalition, as reported previously by CNN.
Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops are stationed in Iraq, assigned to an "advise and assist" mission since December 2021, following the US military's declaration of ending combat responsibilities in the nation.
The region confronts ongoing conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the July assassination of a Hamas political leader in Tehran. As a result, the U.S. and Israel prepare for a foreseen retaliatory attack from Iran.
In response, the U.S. Department of Defense announced dispatching a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships to the Middle East. Moreover, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a guided-missile submarine and hastened the arrival of the carrier strike group to the region.
This report was compiled by Philip Wang, Haley Britzky, Mary Kay Mallonee, Hamdi Alkhshali, Sam Fossum, and Mohammed Tawfeeq.
The ongoing political instability in the Middle East and the potential for retaliatory attacks make the role of politics in the region more crucial than ever. Despite the US-led coalition's mission in Iraq, there are increasing calls for a re-evaluation of strategic alliances and policies.
Given the complex geopolitical landscape and the significance of ISIS continuing to pose a threat, the field of politics becomes even more intricate, requiring nuanced approaches and strategic negotiations.
