Iraq’s Joint Operations Command announced on Wednesday the successful elimination of three members of the ISIS terrorist organization in an airstrike carried out in Salah al-Din province in the northern part of the country. This airstrike was part of a targeted operation against terrorists responsible for an attack on French troops that resulted in the death of a French soldier.
The statement by Iraq’s Joint Operations Command indicated that the airstrike was executed by F-16 aircraft and successfully targeted an ISIS cell. The air raid led to the destruction of four hideouts, including tunnels and caves that the terrorist group had been using in this geographically challenging region.
Earlier the same day, the French Presidency revealed that a special forces soldier was killed while participating in an anti-terrorism operation in Iraq. French forces have been contributing to the US-led international coalition supporting Iraqi troops in their fight against ISIS since 2014. However, ground operations have been halted since January 2022, although approximately 600 French soldiers are currently stationed in Iraq.
Iraq declared its full liberation from ISIS in December 2017, after almost three years of intense warfare. The coalition, led by the United States, has been supporting Iraqi forces since 2014 in their battle against the extremist group, which has been outlawed not just in Iraq but in Russia and many other countries as well.
The killing of the three ISIS members through this recent airstrike reflects a strategic win for the coalition forces and marks a positive step towards quelling the resurgence of ISIS activities in the region. The operation takes on additional significance given its close temporal proximity to the death of a French soldier, emphasizing the ongoing risks and complexities associated with anti-terrorism efforts in Iraq.
Despite previous triumphs over ISIS, the group continues to pose a severe security risk not only in Iraq but across the global stage. Counterterrorism strategies, therefore, remain a high priority, with coalition forces continually adapting tactics to meet the evolving threat.
The successful operation is not just a victory for Iraq but also underscores the importance of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism. It stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by troops from multiple nations as they continue to work collectively in maintaining global security.
