Iraqi security forces announced on Thursday the elimination of 16 suspected terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in Anbar province, conducted with air and technical support from the international coalition. The Joint Operations Command (JOC) confirmed that nine terrorists and seven suicide bombers were killed in northern Rutba district’s desert region in Anbar.

Though the group affiliation was not explicitly identified in the JOC statement, photographs from the operation showed Islamic State (IS) flags near the bodies of the suspects. Alongside neutralizing the alleged terrorists, security forces reported the destruction of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Troops continue to sweep the area to dismantle any remaining threats. “This surprise and distinguished operation came with air and technical support from the international coalition,” the JOC’s statement added.

In a separate operation on Wednesday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that two American personnel were injured while assisting Iraqi forces in targeting IS hideouts in the Hamrin Mountains of central Iraq. This mission successfully eliminated nine senior IS leaders, including the group’s top figure in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani praised local forces for their “exceptional mission,” though he did not mention the participation of foreign forces.

The coalition’s mission in Iraq is scheduled to conclude by September 2025 as per the Baghdad-Washington agreements, following domestic calls for the withdrawal of American troops. Although IS was militarily defeated in 2017, it remains an ongoing security threat, especially in disputed territories where the group continues to launch attacks, bombings, and abductions. Key areas affected by these threats include Diyala, Salahaddin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh provinces.