First US Death In anti-ISIS Ground Fight In Iraq


The loss of a U.S. Army Special Operator, during a rescue mission, occurred on Thursday, Press Secretary Peter Cook stated.  The mission freed 70 chained hostages from an ISIS prison.

“A mass atrocity was averted,” a senior U.S. defense source added. According to the Pentagon, rescuers “deliberately planned” the operation, and moved in when it was apparent that ISIS hostage takers were planning to kill the hostages.

When asked if the mission violated President Obama’s vow not to put boots on the ground in Iraq, Cook said U.S. forces can “protect against the loss of innocent life” in their support role. He said Defense Secretary Ash Carter approved the mission, and the White House was aware.

The senior defense official said the U.S. carried out airstrikes before and after the operation, destroying the prison afterwards.

Officials said dozens of Kurdish Special Operations forces known as Peshmerga led the operation alongside dozens of U.S. Special Operations forces and five U.S. Special Operations helicopters. Four Peshmerga soldiers were reported wounded.

The senior defense official also said the U.S. provided “enabling support,” including transportation, intelligence and advice. The mission was launched from Irbil, according to that official, who said no Westerners were rescued.

Sources told Fox News that 10 of the hostage takers were killed during the over night raid by U.S. forces.  Also reported by the Pentagon was the detainment of  five ISIS “terrorists” by Iraqi forces.

Pentagon officials are “saddened” by the first American death in the ground fight against ISIS in Iraq

Source: Fox News

 



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