Image Credentials: Generated with AI DALL·E-2025-02-15-23.26.35
By Newsroom with Agencies
Baghdad – Iraqi and US forces successfully conducted a joint airstrike near Rawa, a town on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, eliminating five Daesh (ISIS) terrorists, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday.
The operation carried out on Wednesday, was part of a broader effort to dismantle the terrorist group’s remaining networks in Iraq. In addition to neutralizing the militants, the strike destroyed weapons, grenades, suicide explosive belts, and ammunition, CENTCOM stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Coalition Efforts in the Fight Against Daesh
The counterterrorism mission was led by the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) with intelligence and technical support from the US-led Coalition Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). The coalition has been instrumental in providing aerial and intelligence support to Iraqi forces in their ongoing battle against Daesh.
Despite previous claims by US President Donald Trump that Daesh had been “completely defeated” years ago, CENTCOM emphasized that the terrorist organization remains an active threat both regionally and globally. The US military reiterated its commitment to working alongside Iraqi forces to ensure the continued dismantling of Daesh’s operational networks.
Iraqi Forces Conduct Airstrike Against ISIS, Enabled by CENTCOM Forces
On Feb. 12, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Rawa, Iraq, killing five ISIS operatives.
An initial post-strike clearance… pic.twitter.com/CBg21n3Xtm
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 15, 2025
The latest strike near Rawa highlights ongoing security challenges in Iraq, where remnants of Daesh continue to stage attacks against security forces and civilians.
Iraq’s Continued Counterterrorism Efforts
The Iraqi government, in coordination with US and coalition forces, has been intensifying efforts to eliminate terrorist strongholds and prevent Daesh from regaining a foothold in the region. Security analysts warn that while the group has been significantly weakened, sporadic attacks and insurgent activities indicate that Daesh still poses a security risk.
The operation near Rawa marks another step in Iraq’s ongoing fight against extremism, reinforcing the nation’s efforts to secure stability and prevent further terrorist activity within its borders.

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