Author: APSun, 2017-08-13 23:13ID: 1502633904851267100
BAGHDAD: Two American soldiers have been killed while conducting combat operations in Iraq, the US military said Sunday, adding that “initial reports indicate the incident was not due to enemy contact.”
Five other soldiers were wounded, it said in a statement, without providing further details. It did not identify the soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of US forces battling the Daesh (Islamic State) group in Iraq, said the coalition “sends our deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, friends and teammates.”
More than 5,000 US troops are taking part in the war against Daesh in Iraq, according the Pentagon. The vast majority operate within heavily guarded bases, collecting and sharing intelligence with Iraqi forces and providing logistical support.
But as the fight has evolved over the past three years, more and more US troops are operating close to the front lines. In addition to the two troops killed Sunday, five other US troops have been killed in Iraq in the fight against Daesh, including two in the battle to retake the northern city of Mosul.
More than 1,200 Iraqi forces were killed in the battle for Mosul and more than 6,000 wounded, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said earlier this month.
Iraq’s prime minister declared victory against Daesh in Mosul in July, and Iraqi forces are now preparing to retake the Daesh-held town of Tel Afar, to the west.
Main category: Middle-EastTags: US service membersIraqMosulDaeshrelated_nodes: Daesh still a threat as Mosul residents return to city in ruinsCanada to contribute policing to liberated MosulIraq faces vast challenges securing, rebuilding Mosul
