Illustrative image. Source: the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) has eliminated 17 terrorists of ISIS during a special operation in the western province of al-Anbar, Major General Yahya Rasool, a spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, announced on February 26.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Rasool said that the operation took place near the town of Akashat in the northwestern countryside of al-Anbar. One of the terrorists killed in the operation was a “very senior commander” of ISIS, according to the spokesman.
The CTS executed the special operation upon orders from the Iraqi Commander-in-Chief, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
“The Commander-in-Chief praised the efforts, valor and courage of the CTS’ difficult missions men and all the heroes who supported them in the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, as well as the Joint Operations Command in carrying out this heroic operation,” Rasool said.
The identity of ISIS commander who was killed in the operation is yet to be revealed. Usually, the Iraqi Security Media Cell provides such details a few days later.
The Iraqi military, intelligence and security forces stepped up counter-terrorism operations over the past year. Earlier this week, Iraqi fighter jets targeted a hideout of ISIS in the area of Hawi al-Uzym in the northern Iraqi province of Saladin. At least five terrorists were killed as a result of the operation.
ISIS remains the main threat to security and stability in Iraq. The terrorist group’s influence is especially strong in the western, northern and eastern regions.
Too bad these nice Iraqi fighters won’t come to Idlib to destroy HTS Wahhabis. JHK will breath a sigh of relief.
John McStain bagging his head on the coffin lid trying to get at those Iraqis for killing his terrorist.