Two American soldiers injured during joint mission against ISIS in Iraq

During an operation in central Iraq on Oct. 22, two U.S. military personnel were wounded while assisting Iraqi Security Forces in targeting senior ISIS leaders, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Both service members are in stable condition after being injured during site exploitation, as reported by a CENTCOM statement.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the stable condition of the wounded personnel during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“CENTCOM and Iraqi security forces conducted a raid in Iraq overnight to target senior ISIS leaders, resulting in the death of multiple ISIS operatives,” stated Ryder in response to inquiries about the reported killing of the top ISIS leader in the country by the Iraqi Prime Minister.

“We are aware of two U.S. service members who were injured during the operation. Their current condition is stable as they receive treatment for their injuries,” Ryder added.

The Iraqi Security Forces, with support from the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and raids on several ISIS locations during the early morning mission.

The operation targeted multiple senior ISIS leaders and resulted in the deaths of at least seven ISIS operatives, as stated by CENTCOM. The goal of the mission was to disrupt and diminish ISIS attack networks in Iraq.

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service and detachments from Iraq’s National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, conducted the raids. CJTF-OIR provided technical support and intelligence throughout the operation.

“U.S. Central Command, in collaboration with our coalition and Iraqi partners, will actively pursue ISIS and other terrorist threats to U.S. forces, allies, partners, and regional security,” declared Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

This operation is part of a series of coordinated efforts between U.S. forces and regional partners to combat ISIS. On Oct. 14, the ISF executed precision airstrikes in Northeastern Iraq that resulted in the death of four ISIS members, including a high-ranking official known as Abu Issa, also referred to as the “Wali of Kirkuk.”

The strikes were facilitated by technical support and intelligence from CJTF-OIR, as per CENTCOM.

On Oct. 11, U.S. Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against multiple ISIS camps in Syria to disrupt the group’s ability to plan and execute attacks against the U.S., its allies and partners, and civilians in the region and beyond.

“Our commitment to defeating ISIS remains strong due to the threat they pose globally and regionally,” stated Kurilla earlier this year. “We are focused on targeting ISIS members who are involved in external operations outside of Iraq and Syria.”