The United States has deployed its elite counter-terrorism unit Delta Force for covert operations in Iraq to capture or kill high-ranking Islamic State (IS) operatives and gather intelligence, according to a media report.
Army’s elite Delta Force operations to target, capture or kill top IS operatives have begun in Iraq, after several weeks of covert preparation, an official with direct knowledge of the force’s activities was quoted as saying by CNN.
Coordinating for last several weeks
The official said the group has spent the last several weeks preparing, including setting up safe houses, establishing informant networks and coordinating operations with Iraqi and Peshmerga units.
It is the same strategy that Special Operations forces have used in previous deployments to combat zones.
The Delta Force plans to replicate the strategy that Special Operations forces used for years in Iraq and Afghanistan, the report said.
First gather intelligence
It said the plan is to gather enough intelligence to stage raids on terror compounds and hideouts.
Then from intelligence gathered at those sites, such as laptops and cell-phones, forces will try to learn more about ISIS networks and quickly attack additional related targets.
It is a strategy that worked in May 2015, when Delta raided a compound in Syria, killing IS operative Abu Sayyaf and capturing his wife, the report said.
Field operations ready
The Expeditionary Targeting Force which numbers about 200 personnel — has collected enough intelligence now about IS operations in Iraq in up to half a dozen locations that raids and field operations are ready inside Iraq, the report said.
Several Pentagon and military officials have declined to discuss specifics of the so-called Expeditionary Targeting Force.
Very effective part: Ash Carter
But Defence Secretary Ash Carter seemed to confirm in comments made at the Pentagon on Monday that the Special Operations forces had begun missions.
“The only thing I’ll say is the [Expeditionary Targeting Force] is in position, it is having an effect and operating, and I expect it to be a very effective part of our acceleration campaign,” he said during a press conference.
Freeing prisoners from their clutches
According to Mr. Carter, the force will conduct raids, seize places and people, and free IS-held hostages and prisoners. He also said that the force would cause the IS “to fear that anywhere, anytime, it may be struck.”
A U.S. official has said Mr. Carter’s statement reflects that Delta operations have begun.
While the Expeditionary Targeting Force is not yet operating in Syria, a separate group of about 50 U.S. special forces has greatly expanded their initial operations there in recent weeks after the Pentagon announced they were going to Syria.
