Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
Oct. 18, 2024
Release Number 20241018-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) conducted precision airstrikes in Northeastern Iraq on Oct. 14 that killed four members of the terrorist organization ISIS, including a senior leader. The Iraqi-led strikes were conducted to disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq and were enabled by technical support and intelligence from Coalition Forces as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).
The senior leader, Shahadhah ‘Allawi Salih ‘Ulaywi al-Bajjari, also known as Abu Issa, the “Wali of Kirkuk,” was assessed to be the most senior ISIS official in Northern Iraq.
An initial post-strike assessment found explosive “suicide” belts, numerous weapons, explosives, and ammunition. There is no indication of civilian casualties.
Enabling ISF strikes is part of the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel throughout the region and beyond. In August, CJTF-OIR also partnered with the ISF to conduct a raid in Western Iraq, resulting in the death of 14 ISIS operatives.
“ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.
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