What's happened
U.S. and Iraqi commandos conducted a significant raid in Anbar, Iraq, killing at least 15 ISIS fighters. This operation highlights the resurgence of ISIS, as U.S. Central Command warns of an increase in attacks. Concurrently, U.S. troops captured an ISIS leader linked to recent detainee escapes in Syria.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the recent raid in Anbar was one of the largest counterterrorism missions in years, with U.S. Central Command stating that it aimed to disrupt ISIS's ability to conduct attacks. Meanwhile, Axios reported the capture of Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS leader involved in facilitating escapes from detention, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by ISIS detainees. The Independent noted that despite Iraqi officials' confidence in managing the ISIS threat, the resurgence of the group necessitates continued U.S. military support.
How we got here
The recent operations come amid rising concerns over ISIS's resurgence in Iraq and Syria. Despite claims from Iraqi officials that they can manage the threat independently, U.S. forces remain active in counterterrorism efforts, with over 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq.
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