Two US service members were injured during an overnight raid targeting senior Islamic State (IS) leaders in Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday. The joint operation, carried out by US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi security forces, resulted in the deaths of multiple IS operatives, including the newly appointed head of IS in Iraq, Jasim al-Masroui Abu Abdel Qadir.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that both injured service members are in stable condition following the raid, which took place in the northern Hamrin Mountains. The operation, hailed as a success by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, also led to the deaths of eight other IS leaders, whose identities will be confirmed through DNA testing, according to the Iraqi military.

This marks a significant blow to the Islamic State, as al-Masroui was recently appointed leader after a previous US-Iraqi raid killed the former IS leader in Iraq two months ago.

Maj. Gen. Ryder noted that a “post-mission analysis” is underway, and further details will be shared once confirmed. He also emphasized that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to prevent a resurgence of IS, which lost its territorial control in 2019 but still poses a threat in the region.

“There are still 2,500 US troops in Iraq, tasked with preventing a resurgence of IS,” Ryder said. Approximately 900 US troops are also stationed in eastern Syria to carry out similar missions.

US Central Command estimates that around 2,500 IS fighters remain at large across Iraq and Syria. In the first half of 2024, IS claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in the region, according to CENTCOM figures released in July.