15 IS militants killed in joint US-Iraq op

Dubai, August 31

The US’ military and Iraq launched a joint raid targeting suspected Islamic State group militants in the country’s western desert that killed at least 15 people and saw seven American troops hurt, officials said on Saturday.

The US military’s Central Command alleged the militants were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive suicide belts” during the attack on Thursday that Iraqi forces said happened in the country’s Anbar Desert.

“This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ ability to plan, organise and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians as well as US citizens, allies and partners,” Central Command said. “Among the dead were key ISIS leaders,” Iraq's military said. A US defence official said seven American troops were hurt in the raid.