US and coalition forces carried out airstrikes in Iraq last week, including killings Islamic State fighters hiding in a cave and capturing a cell leader in Syria, officials said Monday.
The strikes took place in the Hamrin Mountains of northeastern Iraq from Dec. 30 to Monday, targeting ISIS locations, US Central Command said.
A masked Islamic State terrorist poses holding an ISIS flag in 2015. (History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“Partnership operations like these are critical to maintaining pressure on ISIS and preventing the terrorist group from taking advantage of the region’s rapidly changing security environment,” said CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla.
“The lasting defeat of ISIS is a global effort that relies on our coalition, allies, and partners. U.S. Central Command remains committed to aggressively pursuing these terrorists who threaten the region, our allies, and our citizens,” he added.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the attacks were carried out in an attempt to disrupt the terrorist group’s ability to organize and attack civiliansas well as US citizens and allies in the region.
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Iraqi army soldiers celebrate while holding an Islamic State group flag they captured during a military operation to retake control of a village outside Mosul, Iraq, November 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)
“During operations, ISIS fighters engaged coalition forces on several occasions, resulting in the use of coalition airstrikes,” CENTCOM said.
At one point, jets were used to take out ISIS fighters hiding in a cave, officials said.
One member of the coalition was killed, and two others from different nations were wounded. No American personnel were injured, and no damage was reported to American equipment.
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In addition, from January 2 to 3, with the support of the USA Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), assisted by CENTCOM forces, captured an ISIS cell leader during an operation near Deir ez-Zor, Syria.
