Iraqi Forces Kill Nine Islamic State Leaders

Iraqi security forces, with technical support from the US-led coalition, executed a successful raid in the Hamrin Mountains, killing nine Islamic State (IS) commanders, including the group's top figure in Iraq, Jassim al-Mazrouei Abu Abdel Qader. Iraq's Joint Operations Command confirmed that large quantities of weapons were seized during the ongoing operation. The Pentagon reported that two US military personnel were injured but in stable condition. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani vowed to continue efforts to eliminate IS militants, promising to pursue them wherever they are located in Iraq. This operation is part of broader counterterrorism efforts as remnants of the IS group remain active in the region despite their territorial defeats in recent years. The US-led coalition's military mission in Iraq is set to transition to bilateral security partnerships by September 2024.