U.S. special ops make overnight hostage rescue attempt in Iraq; one killed

[Geee]

Washington Times:

At least one U.S. military member has been killed in Iraq where U.S. special operations forces were involved in an attempt to rescue Kurdish hostages overnight.

 

This is the first known combat fatality on the ground in the war against the Islamic State terrorist group.

 

Officials told CNN that roughly 70 Kurdish hostages were rescued, but details of the operation were not immediately available.

 

The operation took place in Hawija in norther Iraq where Kurdish fighters were being held captive in an Islamic State controlled compound, one U.S. source said.

 

U.S. officials told NBC news that the mission was requested by the Iraqi government.

 

[Geee]

First US Servicemember Killed in Fight Against Islamic State

 

The first U.S. servicemember to be killed in the fight against the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS) died in Iraq, sources said Thursday.

 

The Washington Post reported that the military member was killed when U.S. and Kurdish forces raided an IS prison compound located near the northern town of Hawija in Iraq. At least 70 Kurdish hostages were freed in the raid.

 

http://freebeacon.com/national-security/first-us-servicemember-killed-in-fight-against-islamic-state/

[Geee]

Admin Says Obama Didn’t Sign Off on Deadly Hostage Rescue Operation

 

The Pentagon said today that Defense Secretary Ashton Carter made the call to send U.S. forces on the deadly hostage rescue mission under the “support role” to Kurdish forces in Operation Inherent Resolve.

 

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said the U.S. Special Forces operation to rescue hostages from an ISIS prison near Hawija, Iraq, was launched at the request of the Kurdistan regional government.

 

“This operation was deliberately planned and launched after receiving information that the hostages faced imminent mass execution. It was authorized consistent with our counter-ISIL effort to train, advise and assist Iraqi forces,” Cook said. “The U.S. provided helicopter lift and accompanied Iraqi Peshmerga forces to the compound. Approximately 70 hostages were rescued, including more than 20 members of the Iraqi security forces.”

 

Cook said five ISIS fighters were detained by the Iraqis and “a number” were killed. One U.S. service member was wounded and “subsequently died after receiving medical care.” Four Peshmerga were wounded.

He said they were still “reviewing” the mix of rescued hostages, some civilians but no Kurds.

Asked if any hostages were killed, Cook said, “Not that I’m aware of.”

 

http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2015/10/22/admin-says-obama-didnt-sign-off-on-deadly-hostage-rescue-operation/