7 U.S. soldiers injured, 15 ISIS militants killed in western Iraq

Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Fifteen Islamic State militants were killed and seven U.S. troops were injured during a battle in western Iraq this week, the U.S. Central Command announced late Friday.

U.S. military and Iraqi Security forces engaged the ISIS forces early Thursday morning, CENTCOM said in a statement on X .

The joint military operation targeted ISIS leadership in the Anbar province and encountered several militants who fought back.

"The ISIS element was armed with numerous weapons, grenades and explosive 'suicide' belts," CENTCOM said. "This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS' ability to plan, organize and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians as well as U.S. citizens, allies and partners throughout the region and beyond."

ISIS remains a threat, including in the United States, and a coalition that includes U.S. and Iraqi forces "will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists," the U.S. military said.

The joint operation killed several ISIS leaders, but CENTCOM did not identify which ones.

Five U.S. soldiers were wounded while fighting ISIS militants while two more suffered injuries in falls.

The military operation started with air strikes that targeted ISIS hideouts with an airborne operation involving troops who targeted militants in the Iraqi desert and caves.

CENTCOM said no civilians died in the joint operation.

The joint military operation is a part of Operation Inherent Resolve . The operation was scheduled to end but Iraqi officials postponed its conclusion due to recent attacks and threats by ISIS as well as elevated tensions in the Middle East.

ISIS claimed responsibility for a stabbing attack in Germany this month in which a Syrian refugee killed three and wounded eight others during a festival in Solingen. A 26-year-old suspect was arrested a day later.

An ISIS operative in Austria also planned an attack during a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna that was canceled due to the terror threat.

The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq to advise and assist the Iraqi military in maintaining security against ISIS and other militant groups.

CENTCOM informed President Joe Biden of the operation while he was at his Delaware home in Rehoboth Beach.