American Soldier Dies During A Commando Raid To Rescue Hostages Reportedly Held By Islamic State
An American soldier died in an operation to rescue hostages being held by the Islamic State militants on Thursday, making him the first American service member killed in Iraq since the US operations against IS started in the country last year, BBC News reported Oct. 23.
According to reports, the commando raid took place near the town of Hawija, wherein about 70 captives were released. These hostages include 20 Iraqi Security Forces members, local residents and a number of ISIS fighters who were accused for spying.
The rescue operation was initiated by the Iraqi troops and US Special Forces targeting an IS-held prison near the northern town of Hawija. The Pentagon reveals that the US military was engaged at Kurdistan regional government's invitation.
"This operation was deliberately planned and launched after receiving information that the hostages faced imminent mass execution," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said in a dispatch.
"It was authorized consistent with our counter-ISIL effort to train, advise, and assist Iraqi forces," he added, using an alternative acronym for IS."
The New York Times noted Oct. 22 that the commando raid near Hawija was the first time that American service members had been verified to go together with local forces in Iraq to fight against the Islamic State militants after US President Barrack Obama deployed troops back to Iraq last year.
"This was a unique circumstance in which very close partners of the United States made a specific request for our assistance. So I would not suggest that this is something that's going to now happen on a regular basis," Cook said.
Meanwhile, US Central Command commander Gen. Lloyd Austin III says he commends the people behind the success of the rescue operation that saved 70 captives.
"We commend and congratulate the brave individuals who participated in this successful operation that saved many lives, and we deeply mourn the loss of one of our own who died while supporting his Iraqi comrades engaged in a tough fight," he said in a statement.
"Our gratitude and heartfelt condolences go out to this young man's family, his teammates and friends."
