WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US and Iraqi security forces have killed more than 20 Islamic State (ISIL) terrorists and detained six during a special operation to free 69 hostages in the Iraqi town of Hawija, Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) said in a statement on Thursday.
“During the operation…69 hostages were successfully rescued, 6 ISIL [Islamic State] terrorists detained and more than 20 killed,” the statement said.
Special Operation in Hawija backed by Global Coalition rescued 69 hostages, detained 6 #ISIL terrorists & killed 20. pic.twitter.com/MBW6xw57cr
— KR Security Council (@KRSCPress) October 22, 2015
Earlier on Friday, the US Central Command confirmed that a US special operations team carried out the operation together with the Iraqi counterparts near Hawija in northern Iraq. One US soldier was killed during the raid.
“An initial examination showed there are no Kurds among the rescued hostages from the operation in Hawija,” the message said.
An initial examination showed there are no Kurds among the rescued hostages from the operation in Hawija. #Kurdistan @CJTFOIR
— KR Security Council (@KRSCPress) October 22, 2015
The council said the rescued hostages were “handed over to relevant authorities” after their medical evaluation was over.
The death of the soldier is the first US combat fatality during the fight against the Islamic State militants, according to media reports.
The US-led coalition of 62 countries has been conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State since September 2014.
