US CENTCOM Says it Conducted Raid in Iraq, 15 ISIS Operatives Dead

Iraqi Army soldiers stand guard near the debris of a drone shot down by Iraq's air defenses in Kirkuk, Iraq, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Str)
Iraqi Army soldiers stand guard near the debris of a drone shot down by Iraq's air defenses in Kirkuk, Iraq, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Str)
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US CENTCOM Says it Conducted Raid in Iraq, 15 ISIS Operatives Dead

Iraqi Army soldiers stand guard near the debris of a drone shot down by Iraq's air defenses in Kirkuk, Iraq, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Str)
Iraqi Army soldiers stand guard near the debris of a drone shot down by Iraq's air defenses in Kirkuk, Iraq, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Str)

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday its forces conducted a partnered raid with the Iraqi Security Forces in western Iraq in the early hours of Aug. 29, resulting in the deaths of 15 ISIS operatives.

"The ISIS element was armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive "suicide" belts," CENTCOM said. It also added that there was no indication of civilian casualties in the raid.

Seven American troops were injured in the joint raid, the Associated Press reported later citing the US military.

Five were wounded in the operation while two others were hurt in falls, a US military official told the AP. "All personnel are in stable condition," the official said.

The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the injury toll.

At least five US personnel were injured in an attack earlier this month against a military base in Iraq.

Later, Iraq's foreign ministry said that an announcement on an end date for the US-led coalition's mission had been postponed due to the "latest developments,” without identifying the developments.

Reuters reported in March that talks between the US and Iraq on ending the US-led military coalition in the country may not be concluded until after US presidential elections in November.



Israel Expands Drone Use in Southern Lebanon to Intercept Civilians

An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
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Israel Expands Drone Use in Southern Lebanon to Intercept Civilians

An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)

Israeli drones are now being used for more than just tracking and targeting fighters in southern Lebanon. They’re also setting fires to forests, intimidating residents, and stopping cars at night to broadcast messages through loudspeakers.

Recent reports and social media videos show these new uses. In one troubling incident, an Israeli drone blocked a civilian in his car in the border town of Khallwat in the Hasbaya district, holding him for several minutes.

Local TV channel Al-Jadeed reported that an Israeli drone briefly held a civilian in his car and shone bright lights on him. The man was able to leave safely.

Other reports say the drone stopped the man early in the morning on his way home, using strong green lights that caused him pain.

The type of light used by the Israeli drone is not clear, but experts believe it’s not a laser.

Instead, it was likely a spotlight used to help the drone’s camera scan the driver’s face and collect information. This process involves a camera that captures the image and sends it to a computer where AI can identify the person quickly.

Experts tell Asharq Al-Awsat that Israel’s advanced technology means the bright light could be used for intimidation, to confirm the person’s identity, or to analyze body shape data.

They agree that the situation is concerning.

In another incident, a new video showed an Israeli drone dropping burning materials on forests near borders in Lebanon’s town of Adaisseh. The footage shows the drone releasing the substance, which started a fire.

Israeli drones with loudspeakers have been also flying over border villages, warning residents and broadcasting messages. Locals say the drones not only relay army statements but also insult Hezbollah and incite against the group.

This has been happening in multiple villages over the past month.

Moreover, Israeli warplanes have been striking the outskirts of Zibkin, Naqoura, and Wadi Hamoul, causing severe damage to property, crops, and forests.

The Israeli military also shelled the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab and hit areas around Naqoura and Alma al-Shaab with artillery fire.